cataplexy

/ˈkætəˌplɛksi/
noun
  1. A medical condition involving sudden, brief loss of muscle control, often triggered by strong emotions like laughter or surprise.
    • The neurologist diagnosed her with cataplexy after she described collapsing when she laughed.
    • Cataplexy is one of the main symptoms of narcolepsy.
    • During a cataplexy attack, a person might slump over or drop what they are holding.
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