cataplexy
noun
cat·a·plexy
ˈka-tə-ˌplek-sē 
plural cataplexies
ˈka-tə-ˌplek-sēz
: sudden loss of muscle power following a strong emotional stimulus
Examples of cataplexy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The drug is designed to increase wakefulness, reduce cataplexy and potentially be a novel treatment for narcolepsy type 1.
—
Pia Singh, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2024
In addition to sleep disturbance, most people with Type 1 narcolepsy experience sudden, temporary loss of muscle control or paralysis, called cataplexy.
—Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2024
How is cataplexy treated?
—Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 6 Dec. 2021
People with cataplexy, a rare condition tied to narcolepsy, may suddenly lose all their muscle strength and collapse during a fit of laughter.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2014
Not all narcoleptics experience cataplexy, but those who do may lose all strength in their muscles during moments of strong emotion.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2011
But this view ignores narcolepsy's most ridiculous symptom, called cataplexy.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2011
According to the Mayo Clinic, the frequency of cataplexy varies tremendously case by case.
—Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 3 Dec. 2021
Symptoms such as hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and cataplexy may follow, says Manjamalai Sivaraman, MD, FAASM, a sleep medicine specialist and neurologist at the University of Missouri.
—Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 8 Dec. 2021
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Pia Singh, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2024
In addition to sleep disturbance, most people with Type 1 narcolepsy experience sudden, temporary loss of muscle control or paralysis, called cataplexy.
—Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 15 Jan. 2024
How is cataplexy treated?
—Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 6 Dec. 2021
People with cataplexy, a rare condition tied to narcolepsy, may suddenly lose all their muscle strength and collapse during a fit of laughter.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2014
Not all narcoleptics experience cataplexy, but those who do may lose all strength in their muscles during moments of strong emotion.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2011
But this view ignores narcolepsy's most ridiculous symptom, called cataplexy.
—Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2011
According to the Mayo Clinic, the frequency of cataplexy varies tremendously case by case.
—Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 3 Dec. 2021
Symptoms such as hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and cataplexy may follow, says Manjamalai Sivaraman, MD, FAASM, a sleep medicine specialist and neurologist at the University of Missouri.
—Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 8 Dec. 2021
Dictionary Entries Near cataplexy
Cite this Entry
“Cataplexy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataplexy. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
cataplexy
noun
cat·a·plexy
ˈkat-ə-ˌplek-sē
plural cataplexies
-sēz
: a sudden loss of muscle control with retention of clear consciousness that follows a strong emotional stimulus (as elation, surprise, or anger) and is a characteristic symptom of narcolepsy
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