What causes cataplexy in the brain?

Research has revealed that narcolepsy with cataplexy is caused by a lack of hypocretins, brain chemicals that help sustain alertness and prevent REM sleep from occurring at the wrong times. Genetics, age, and triggering infections or inflammation play important roles in the development of narcolepsy.

How do you stop cataplexy?

How is cataplexy treated?

1. tricyclic antidepressants, such as clomipramine (Anafranil)
2. selective serotonin uptake reinhibitors (SSRIs), another type of antidepressant, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
3. sodium oxybate (Xyrem), which can help with both cataplexy and sleepiness during the day.

How do you diagnose cataplexy?

Cataplexy is usually diagnosed based on an interview with patients and their families10. In an interview, doctors are looking for the classic signs of cataplexy. A doctor may ask about how often a person experiences episodes and how long they last, triggering events, and which muscles are affected.

How do you treat cataplexy naturally?

Many people with narcolepsy sleep restlessly at night….Rest Best at Night

1. Relax before turning in. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime.
2. Try to go to bed at the same time each night.
3. If you wake up during the night, avoid reaching for your phone or other electronics. Screens stimulate, not relax, you.

How long can 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.

Is cataplexy hereditary?

First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, and children) of people with narcolepsy with cataplexy have a 40 times greater risk of developing the condition compared with people in the general population.

How long do cataplexy attacks last?

Who treats cataplexy?

Depending on the specific symptoms that a person experiences, a sleep specialist may also recommend additional care from neurologists, pulmonologists, otolaryngologists or other medical professionals.

Does cataplexy go away?

Although it is a different condition, cataplexy is sometimes misdiagnosed as a seizure disorder. There is no cure for cataplexy, but it can be managed with medications and modification of potential triggers.

How long do narcoleptics sleep?

A person with narcolepsy usually has the condition for life. All people with narcolepsy have extreme levels of sleepiness during the day, but how this shows itself can differ. For instance, some people with narcolepsy might fall asleep for 10 to 20 minutes several times every day, whether they want to or not.

What are your cataplexy triggers?

The following triggers vary but are often connected to emotion: Laughing Crying Anger Stress Fear Happiness Excitement Annoyance Surprise Abrupt withdrawal of an antidepressant medicine

What does cataplexy feel like?

Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone, resulting in knee buckle or collapse, while remaining conscious, often accompanied by emotions like laughter, annoyance or surprise. Cataplexy is the paralysis of REM/dream sleep experienced inappropriate while awake. Sleep attack/excessive sleepiness is an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day.

What can cataplexy feel like?

Cataplexy happens when your muscles suddenly go limp or significantly weaken without warning. You may experience cataplexy when you feel a strong emotion or emotional sensation. This can include crying, laughing, or feeling angry.

Which sleep disorder is associated with cataplexy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and in some cases episodes of cataplexy (partial or total loss of muscle control, often triggered by a strong emotion such as laughter). Narcolepsy occurs equally in men and women and is thought to affect roughly 1 in 2,000 people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6C6o4SLbTA