Does cataplexy feel like fainting?
During more severe episodes, a person collapses and cannot move or speak. Unlike other conditions that cause a loss of muscle control, like fainting or seizures, people experiencing cataplexy remain conscious and aware. Episodes typically last a couple of minutes and resolve on their own.
How long does an episode of cataplexy last?
Cataplexy attacks generally last less than two minutes, and they may only last a few seconds, though some people have repeated attacks of cataplexy which persist for up to 30 minutes. During both mild and severe attacks, the person stays fully conscious.
How long do cataplexy attacks last?
Strong emotions, such as laughter or anger, can trigger cataplexy. Attacks often last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. You remain aware during the attack. During the attack, your head falls forward, your jaw drops, and your knees may buckle.
What can help cataplexy?
These older antidepressants, such as protriptyline (Vivactil), imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil), are effective for cataplexy, but many people complain of side effects, such as dry mouth and lightheadedness. Sodium oxybate (Xyrem). This medication is highly effective for cataplexy.
Can cataplexy look like a seizure?
The muscle twitching during cataplexy can look like a seizure. In fact, it’s sometimes misdiagnosed as a seizure disorder.
How long can cataplexy last?
How long does it last? Cataplexy attacks generally last less than two minutes, and they may only last a few seconds, though some people have repeated attacks of cataplexy which persist for up to 30 minutes. During both mild and severe attacks, the person stays fully conscious.
What are the causes of narcolepsy without cataplexy?
The causes of narcolepsy without cataplexy, or narcolepsy Type 2, are a little less straightforward. People with this type of narcolepsy generally experience less severe symptoms than those with Type 1. However, individuals with low levels of hypocretin but without cataplexy are often reclassified as having Type 1 narcolepsy. 4
Would you have dizziness with narcolepsy?
Dizziness is found among people with Narcolepsy, especially for people who are female, 30-39 old. Would you have Dizziness with Narcolepsy? This study analyzes which people who do. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 2,746 people who have Narcolepsy from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is updated regularly.
Is cataplexy a symptom of EDS?
Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone that causes feelings of weakness and loss of voluntary muscle control. Usually cataplexy is the second symptom to present after EDS. By itself, cataplexy could be wrongfully diagnosed as a seizure disorder.
What is cataplexy and what causes it?
The Narcolepsy Network adds that cataplexy causes a sudden loss of muscle tone — either throughout the body or in certain muscles — in response to a strong emotion. When it affects the whole body, it can cause the person to collapse.