In simple words: Narcolepsy with cataplexy is a condition that makes you very sleepy during the day. You might suddenly fall asleep, even while doing something like talking or eating. Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle control, often triggered by strong emotions like laughing or being surprised. This can make you go limp or weak.

Narcolepsy with cataplexy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, often with sudden, brief episodes of muscle weakness (cataplexy) triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, anger, or excitement. It is caused by a deficiency of hypocretin, a neurotransmitter that regulates wakefulness.

Example 1: A 25-year-old patient presents with excessive daytime sleepiness, falling asleep multiple times during the day even while at work. They also report episodes of sudden muscle weakness when they laugh, causing them to collapse. A sleep study confirms narcolepsy with cataplexy., A teenager experiences sudden episodes of muscle weakness in their face and limbs, often triggered by surprise or excitement. They also complain of excessive daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating in school. After consultation with a sleep specialist, they are diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy., A 40-year-old individual experiences overwhelming sleepiness during the day, along with hallucinations and sleep paralysis. Further investigation reveals episodes of cataplexy triggered by strong emotions. This combination of symptoms leads to a diagnosis of narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Documentation for narcolepsy with cataplexy should include a detailed medical history, including sleep patterns, frequency and nature of sleep attacks, and any cataplexy episodes. Results of sleep studies (polysomnogram and multiple sleep latency test) and documentation of hypocretin levels are crucial for confirming the diagnosis.