2Ĭlaire, a person living with narcolepsy, describes a time when cataplexy put her life at risk. 2 The results of a cataplexy episode can also cause physical injury, for example fracturing wrists or other body parts during a fall. During a cataplexy episode, the person remains conscious and aware of their surroundings, even if unable to speak or move.

are estimated to have narcolepsy1, and more than half of people living with narcolepsy experience cataplexy 2. 2 The location does not matter, cataplexy can unexpectedly occur – it might also not be as visible or noticeable as one might expect. 2 Given people can experience a range of triggering emotions throughout daily life, a cataplexy episode can occur at any time – it could be when a person is playing with their children, cooking or driving. 2 The presentation of cataplexy episodes varies from facial drooping, jaw weakening, slight knee buckling or neck weakness to falling to the ground for up to several minutes. 3Ĭataplexy is sudden episodes of muscle paralysis often triggered by emotions like humor, surprise, or anger. 2 A person cannot have cataplexy without having narcolepsy except in extremely rare cases. Cataplexy is a major symptom of narcolepsy, a chronic neurological condition that involves other symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness – that can result in difficulty focusing and maintaining alertness, along with sleep paralysis and vivid hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up.

Narcolepsy is an often misunderstood and under-recognized condition.

Cataplexy examples