cataplexy

Term: cataplexy

Origin: Anc Greek

κατά/cata(=downwards)

πλήττω/pleto(=strike)

the Greek word  “ kataplexis» means “astonishment”.

Coined:

in 1902 by von Leopold Loewenfeld (1847-1924)

Definition

It is a rare medical condition which is characterized by sudden and transient episode of loss of muscle tone, often triggered by intense emotions and it usually occurs in people with a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.