cataplexy

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Related to cataplectic: cataleptic

cat·a·plex·y

(kăt′ə-plĕk′sē)
n. pl. cat·a·plex·ies
A sudden loss of muscle tone and strength, usually caused by an extreme emotional stimulus.
[From Greek kataplēxis, fixation (of the eyes), from kataplēssein, to astound, terrify : kata-, intensive pref.; see cata- + plēssein, plēk-, to strike; see plāk- in Indo-European roots.]
cat′a·plec′tic (-plĕk′tĭk) adj.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

cataplexy

(ˈkætəˌplɛksɪ)
n
1. (Pathology) sudden temporary paralysis, brought on by severe shock
2. (Zoology) a state of complete absence of movement assumed by animals while shamming death
[C19: from Greek kataplēxis amazement, from kataplēssein to strike down (with amazement), confound, from kata- down + plēssein to strike]
ˌcataˈplectic adj
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

cataplexy

a temporary paralytic or hypnotic state, often brought on by strong emotion. — cataplectic, adj.
See also: Nerves
-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Translations

cat·a·plex·y

n. cataplejía, pérdida repentina del tono muscular causada por un estado emocional intenso.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

cataplexy

n cataplexia
English-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive ?
In the following month, he developed several partial cataplectic attacks per day mostly triggered by fear or anger.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy Administered Early after Narcolepsy Type 1 Onset in Three Patients Evaluated by Clinical and Polysomnographic Follow-Up
Over the subsequent 2 years the frequency of acute daytime drowsiness and cataplectic episodes decreased somewhat, but his nighttime insomnia remained.
Narcolepsy induced by chronic heavy alcohol consumption: a case report
Generally, cataplectic spells occur months to years after the onset sleep attacks but occasionally cataplexy is the initial manifestation.
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Brain scans of a cataplectic attack in progress is rare because attacks occur unpredictably.
Brain imaging and cataplexy
Cataplectic attacks are sometimes limited to the facial muscles or to the arms or legs, resulting in dysarthria, facial flickering, jaw tremor, head or jaw drooping, dropping of objects, or unlocking of the knees.
Stay awake! Understanding, diagnosing, and successfully managing narcolepsy
Patients usually remain conscious while they are cataplectic.
Cataplexy is key in narcolepsy diagnosis
The doctor said: "If Philip had a cataplectic attack in these circumstances, he would lose control of his arms and, in particular, he would lose control of his legs and wouldn't be able to brake."
Trucker is cleared of killing
Unlike orexin-deficient mice, which are narcoleptic and cataplectic, the new mice sleep and act normally.
Narcolepsy science reawakens: insights create a new order for disordered sleep
Gary was another prone to "cataplectic attacks" - a sudden and total loss of muscle control that turned his face and legs into jelly.
SHELLEY on THE TELLY: Wake-up call for scientists