Since the loss of the hypocretin hormone is irreversible, there is no cure found yet for cataplexy. Treatment for cataplexy helps to decrease the number of episodes. The usual diagnosis is through an interview with the individual, where the physician will look for classic signs of cataplexy. Diagnosis of cataplexy is hard since there are no evident and specific symptoms associated with the disease. This hormone plays an important role in the sleep-wake cycle. The most common reason for the occurrence of cataplexy is the loss of brain cells that produce the hormone orexin or hypocretin. The cause for the occurrence of cataplexy in individuals is still being investigated with different research-based approaches. But during severe conditions, cataplexy results in extreme muscle rigidity, causing the individual to collapse and making him/her unable to move. During minor and less severe episodes, the individual with cataplexy shows momentary sensation of weakness in a few muscle tissues. The severity of cataplexy could vary along with the symptoms and episodes. But negative emotions such as anger, stress, fear, and physical exertion could also cause cataplexy, but rarely. Cataplexy usually takes place due to positive experiences. This condition occurs when the individual is awake. Summary – Cataplexy vs Catalepsy What is Cataplexy?Ĭataplexy is a condition of sudden muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions such as laughing and excitement. Cataplexy and catalepsy are two conditions that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle rigidity. These reasons could be either medical or spontaneous. Loss of muscle rigidity and muscle paralysis could occur due to different reasons.
The key difference between cataplexy and catalepsy is that cataplexy occurs when the individual is awake and conscious, while catalepsy occurs during a state of unconsciousness and unawareness.
0 kommentar(er)
