How To Manage Cataplexy

Cataplexy is a sudden, uncontrollable paralysis or weakness of the muscles that occurs in the day. It's most commonly triggered by strong emotions like laughter or excitement. Seemingly without warning, an individual dealing with cataplexy might lose muscle tone and have weakness in their trunk, legs, arms, and face. Their speech might be broken, their knees may buckle, and their jaw might go slack. During an episode of cataplexy, which typically lasts a minute or two, patients are awake and conscious of the situation but unable to move. Some individuals fall asleep following the episodes.