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Cataplexy
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Interesting.
Wikipedia says the term cataplexy originates from the Greek word kata, meaning down, and plexis, meaning a stroke or seizure.
Scholarpedia says it comes from the Latin word “cataplessa” which means, “to strike down with fear or the like” (The Latin alphabet is derived from the Greek Alphabet).
I know that care must be taken when drawing information from web sites (The information highway can often be the 'misinformation' highway), but scholarpedia seems to differentiate between 'cataplexy' and 'secondary cataplexy'?
So it seems that, technically, cataplexy is unique to narcolepsy - but when experienced by individuals who are not narcoleptic is considered 'secondary cataplexy'?
Wikipedia says narcolepsy and cataplexy are sometimes mistaken for epilepsy, but does not specifically identify cataplexy with other conditions other than SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome
Scholarpedia makes no mention of epilepsy in regard to narcolepsy or cataplexy, but does state that cataplexy can be associated with other pathological conditions though it does not specifically identify epilepsy.
Interestingly enough, I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1983 while in the military and was faced with a medical discharge. I, of course, denied it and insisted I be fully tested. All tests were negative. I was then assigned ix months limited shore duty. If I didn't have any more 'seizures' during this six month period, I would be returned to the fleet. The real story is - I was being treated for chronic nose bleeds and the doctors wanted to cauterize my nose. They wanted to inject xylocaine. I told the doctors I was allergic to xylocaine (even my medical record had this documentation). They replied that was nonsense and that no one is allergic to local anaesthetics, but rather to the preservative in the xylocaine and that the xylocaine they were using was preservative free.
I insisted that I not be given the anaesthetic. The doctor put the needle down. While his back was turned toward me he put some xylocaine on a 'Q-tip' and proceeded to apply it in my nose. I thought it was the silver nitrate used for cauterizing. I began experiencing that all too familiar feeling of 'Oh man I feel like I am dying' before becoming unconscious I asked the doctor what he did and he looked at me with a pale face and said nothing. When they revived me (my allergic reaction was a seizure followed by not breathing which, from what I have heard, is not good for your health) the doctors explained to me that they were going to admit me to the Naval Hospital for observation. I asked why and they said, "We have reason to believe you are epileptic" Yeah right.
I wonder if they would have found me to be narcoleptic if they hadn't been so busy trying to cover their tracks.
So, does anyone know if I am correct in assuming that cataplexy, when associated with other conditions, is considered 'secondary cataplexy' whereas narcoleptics are considered to simply have 'cataplexy'?