What is cataplexy?
Cataplexy is the sudden loss of muscle tone that is triggered by the experience of an intense emotion. Cataplexy is the result of an absence of a neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus known as hypocretin or orexin. It is often associated with narcolepsy but is seen in other pathological conditions.
How do members experience cataplexy?
Top 5 symptoms reported by people with cataplexy*
Common symptoms
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Fatigue
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Sudden tiredness
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Nothing reported yet
Common symptom
Pain
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Depressed mood
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.
Top treatments taken by people for cataplexy*
Who has cataplexy on PatientsLikeMe?
Age | Proportion | # of patients |
---|---|---|
<20 | 1 | |
20s | 13 | |
30s | 42 | |
40s | 39 | |
50s | 50 | |
60s | 19 | |
70+ | 11 |
Distribution of sex
Sex | Proportion | # of patients |
---|---|---|
Male | 30 | |
Female | 144 |