CATALEPSY Meaning and
Definition
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Catalepsy is a medical condition characterized by a temporary loss of voluntary muscle control and responsiveness, resulting in a state of immobility and rigidity. It is often associated with neurological disorders or psychiatric conditions and can occur spontaneously or be induced by external factors such as stress, trauma, or extreme emotion.
During a cataleptic episode, the affected individual may display physical symptoms resembling a trance-like state, including a fixed posture, muscle stiffness, and a lack of response to external stimuli. Breathing and heartbeat remain unaltered, but the person appears to be in a state of suspended animation. The duration of these episodes can vary from minutes to hours, with individuals often experiencing a complete return to normalcy afterward, unaware of the passage of time.
Catalepsy can be classified into two main types: flexibilitas cerea and cataplexy. Flexibilitas cerea is characterized by maintaining rigid body positions, which can be manipulated by an external force to hold the person in a particular position temporarily, once released, the rigidity usually returns. Cataplexy, on the other hand, involves sudden episodes of muscular weakness or paralysis triggered by emotional stimuli such as laughter or fear.
Treatment for catalepsy focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which may involve medications to manage the associated neurological or psychiatric condition. Psychotherapy and stress management techniques can also be beneficial in reducing the frequency and severity of cataleptic episodes.
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A morbid state, allied to autohypnosis or hysteria, in which there is a waxy rigidity of the limbs that may be placed in various positions which they will maintain for a time. The subject is insensible and irresponsive to stimuli; the pulse and respiration are slow, and the skin is pale.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A disease in which motion and sensation are suddenly suspended; a trance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CATALEPSY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CATALEPSY
- xatalepsy
- vatalepsy
- fatalepsy
- datalepsy
- cztalepsy
- cstalepsy
- cwtalepsy
- cqtalepsy
- caralepsy
- cafalepsy
- cagalepsy
- cayalepsy
- ca6alepsy
- acatalepsy
- Catalipsy
- Catalapsey
Etymology of CATALEPSY
The word "catalepsy" originates from the Greek words "katálēpsis" (κατάληψις), which is derived from the verb "katalambanō" (καταλαμβάνω). "Kata" (κατά) in Greek means "down" or "against", while "lambanō" (λαμβάνω) means "to seize" or "to grasp". Therefore, the literal translation of "catalepsy" would be "seizure" or "grasping down". The term was first used in ancient Greek medicine to describe a condition characterized by a sudden and temporary loss of sensation or muscular control, often resulting in a fixed and rigid posture.
Similar spelling words for CATALEPSY
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