What is the cataplexy?

Cataplexy: Cataplexy is a sudden and uncontrollable muscle weakness or paralysis that comes on during the day and is often triggered by a strong emotion, such as excitement or laughter. A person experiencing total cataplexy stays awake and is aware of what is happening, but cannot move. These episodes last up to a minute or two, and some people may fall asleep afterwards.

This is a physical feature of narcolepsy with transient episodes of muscle weakness precipitated by intense emotion. Subjective descriptions of cataplexy can assist in identification of narcolepsy since this feature is said to be almost unique to the disorder. In narcolepsy, 20 percent are diagnosed with cataplexy, estimates are about 70 percent actually have it though.