A medical curiosity occurring in some neurotic people who lose consciousness followed by muscular rigidity. Although rare, it may follow excessive stress. Suspension of heart beat, breathing. Other vital functions simulate death and are a cause for alarm. Rigidity may cause the body to assume a statue-like appearance. The subject should be carefully watched.
Treatment. Antispasmodics.
As swallowing is not possible, the gums should be rubbed with a little dilute Tincture or Liquid
Extract Lobelia, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Valerian or Wild Lettuce. When swallowing is possible, a cup of Chamomile, Lime blossom or Ephedra tea assists.
Practitioner: Ephedrine, 8-60mg by mouth, thrice daily.
A physical state in which the muscles of the face, body, and limbs are maintained in a semi-rigid, statue-like position for minutes, hours, or even days.
Catalepsy occurs in people with schizophrenia or epilepsy, but may also be caused by brain disease or some drugs.
A physical condition in which part or all of the body becomes rigid. It is characterised by the adoption of strange – often statue-like – poses (CATATONIA), which may pass o? within a few minutes or may last for several hours (rarely, days). Typically brought on by a sudden mental trauma, catalepsy may occur with prolonged depression or some other serious MENTAL ILLNESS, and occasionally with EPILEPSY. Successful treatment must depend upon due recognition of all precipitating factors and circumstances.
n. the abnormal maintenance of postures, occurring in *catatonia. These may have arisen spontaneously or they may be induced by the examiner.
A profound SLEEP from which a person cannot for a time be aroused, but which is not due to organic disease. The power of voluntary movement is lost, although sensibility and even consciousness may remain. It is a disturbance in mental functions and may be associated with CATALEPSY, AUTOMATISM and petit mal EPILEPSY. A trance may be induced by HYPNOTISM. (See also ECSTASY).... trance
The following conditions are discussed under their individual headings: APHASIA; BRAIN, DISEASES OF; CATALEPSY; CHOREA; CRAMP; EPILEPSY; HYSTERIA; LEARNING DISABILITY; MEMORY; MENTAL ILLNESS; MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS); NERVES, INJURIES TO; NEURALGIA; NEURITIS; PARALYSIS; PSYCHOSOMATIC DISEASES; SPINE AND SPINAL CORD, DISEASES AND INJURIES OF; STROKE; TABES.... nervous system, disorders of
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