A sudden loss of muscle tone and temporary paralysis triggered by intense emotions like laughter, fear, or surprise, often associated with narcolepsy.
From Greek 'kata-' (down) and 'plexis' (a stroke or blow), literally meaning 'struck down.' The term was adopted into medical terminology to describe the sudden physical collapse that occurs without loss of consciousness.
Cataplexy reveals something wild about how emotions control our bodies—the brain is so powerfully connected to muscles that extreme joy or fear can literally knock you down, which is why scientists study cataplexy to understand narcolepsy and emotional regulation.
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