cataplexy

Definitions

An abrupt loss of muscle tone, sometimes associated with narcolepsy.

countable, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“Narcolepsy has been associated with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, a 4-megabase region of chromosome 6, which is divided into three subregions: class I, class II, and class III. Class II HLA antigens have⟳ been strongly associated with autoimmune diseases. The class II antigen, DQB1*0602, has been associated with narcolepsy. Most (90%-100%) patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy across all ethnic groups have⟳ this allele. In addition, 35% to 56% of patients who have⟳ narcolepsy without cataplexy also have⟳ this allele. However, 20% of the normal population also has the allele, reducing its usefulness in diagnostic testing.”

CEFR level