Both duration of cataplexy and ESS score are negatively correlated with disease course.
![cataplexy video cataplexy video](http://julieflygare.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sally-photobooth-cataplexy-narcolepsy-blog-1024x1024.jpg)
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (ESS) has a positive correlation with the total duration of cataplexy. Resisting stage is predominant (56.4%) in cataplexy, while atonic stage is most related with the total duration of cataplexy. Four cataplectic stages (ie, triggering, resisting, atonic, and recovering) were identified according to clinical and electromyograms characteristics. Nine patients (43%) went through complete cataplectic attacks while the others experienced partial attacks. We observed 81 cataplectic episodes in 21 patients with diverse triggers, including humorous or exciting videos, tickling, recalling horrible memories and exercising. Correlations were analysed between cataplectic stages in pairs, and between cataplectic stages and other clinical features.
![cataplexy video cataplexy video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ffSIlbaM65w/maxresdefault.jpg)
Each cataplectic episode was segmented into four stages according to the v-PSG. The most serious cataplectic attack from each patient was analysed. We experimentally triggered patients with NT1 into cataplexy while under video-polysomnography (v-PSG) monitoring in the sleep lab. This study was conducted to clarify the clinical characteristics of cataplexy by staging, and to further analyse the correlations of clinical features and cataplectic stages in patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1). Cataplexy is a pathognomonic symptom of narcolepsy type 1.