Cataplexy vs. Catalepsy — What's the Difference?

A neurological condition linked to narcolepsy.

A neurological symptom associated with certain disorders.

A symptom characterized by sudden muscle collapse.

A condition where a person holds a fixed posture.

An episode where muscles fail to function properly.

An episode of muscle stiffness and decreased sensitivity to pain.

A sudden loss of muscle tone.

A state of motor rigidity and unresponsiveness.

A transient and uncontrollable muscle weakness.

A trance or seizure with a loss of sensation or consciousness.

Cataplexy is a sudden and transient episode of muscle weakness accompanied by full conscious awareness, typically triggered by emotions such as laughing, crying, or terror. Cataplexy affects approximately 70% of people who have narcolepsy, and is caused by an autoimmune destruction of hypothalamic neurons that produce the neuropeptide hypocretin (also called orexin), which regulates arousal and has a role in stabilization of the transition between wake and sleep states.

Catalepsy (from Ancient Greek katálēpsis, κατάληψις, "seizing, grasping") is a nervous condition characterized by muscular rigidity and fixity of posture regardless of external stimuli, as well as decreased sensitivity to pain.

A sudden loss of muscle tone and strength, usually caused by an extreme emotional stimulus.

A condition characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain where they are positioned. It occurs in a variety of physical and psychological disorders, such as epilepsy and schizophrenia, and can be induced by hypnosis.

(medicine) An abrupt loss of muscle tone, sometimes associated with narcolepsy.

(pathology) A severe bodily condition, described in psychiatric pathology, marked by sudden rigidity, fixation of posture, and loss of contact with environmental conditions.

A morbid condition caused by an overwhelming shock or extreme fear and marked by rigidity of the muscles.

A sudden suspension of sensation and volition, the body and limbs preserving the position that may be given them, while the action of the heart and lungs continues.

A trancelike state with loss of voluntary motion and failure to react to stimuli

Catalepsy is not a seizure, but it involves rigidity and can appear seizure-like.

Catalepsy can be a symptom in schizophrenia but is not present in all cases.

During Catalepsy, an individual might appear unresponsive or detached.

Catalepsy can be linked to various conditions, including certain psychiatric disorders.

While Cataplexy itself isn't harmful, the sudden muscle weakness can lead to falls or accidents.

Often, but not always. Catalepsy can sometimes occur spontaneously.

Cataplexy is most commonly associated with narcolepsy but can be seen in other contexts.

No, Cataplexy involves sudden muscle weakness, while Catalepsy is about rigidity and unresponsiveness.

Cataplexy is often triggered by strong emotions, like laughter or anger.

Cataplexy can be triggered by strong emotions, which may include stress.

A Cataplexy episode can last from a few seconds to several minutes.

There's no cure for Cataplexy, but treatments can help manage symptoms.

Some studies suggest a genetic predisposition to Catalepsy, but it can also arise from other causes.

Yes, there are medications that can help control Cataplexy episodes.

Catalepsy is diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history, often with other diagnostic tests.