Catalepsy is a rare nerve disorder that causes immobility and muscle stiffness, and can be a symptom of various conditions. In hypnosis, it refers to a state of muscle stiffness induced by a hypnotist. Cataleptic attacks can last from several minutes to several days and can be treated with cold water, massage, aromas, medication, or electroconvulsive therapy.
Catalepsy is a nerve disorder characterized by immobility and muscle stiffness, along with a decreased sensitivity to pain. In hypnosis, catalepsy refers to a state of muscle stiffness, usually of a part of the body, such as an arm, induced by the hypnotist in the patient. In the latter sense, catalepsy is often used as a test before further hypnosis.
As a nerve condition, catalepsy is a symptom of a number of disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, cocaine withdrawal, sleep apnea, obesity, depression, and emotional shock . It can also be a side effect of antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia. Catalepsy is also a possible side effect of septoplasty, a surgery performed to straighten the septum, the cartilage that separates the nostrils. In addition to the symptoms listed above, a cataleptic patient may experience anxiety, lower back pain, fatigue, loss of muscle control, and slowing of bodily functions, especially breathing. The limbs can remain in any position they are placed.
Catalepsy is a rare disease. Cataleptic attacks come on suddenly and can last from several minutes to several days and, in extreme cases, weeks. They are often accompanied by a lack of senses in the patient, although not always. A cataleptic patient often cannot move or speak at all.
Before catalepsy was better understood by medicine, cataleptics were sometimes buried alive in the belief that they were dead. Cases of cataleptics being reanimated when buried and dug out of the grave may have helped give rise to legends of vampires and other revenants. Cataleptic states have also historically been confused with other trance states, such as those induced by meditation or hypnosis. The word catalepsy comes from the Greek for “down” and “to grasp,” reflecting ancient beliefs that the cataleptic was being seized by some supernatural entity.
A cataleptic attack can be treated by dousing the head in cold water, followed by a warm foot bath and stimulating massage, especially of the spine and abdomen. Stimulating aromas, such as lavender or peppermint, can also help the patient regain movement. If the cataleptic attack lasts a long time, it may be necessary to feed or give fluids that are forced or otherwise administered. A cataleptic attack can also be treated with medications, usually high doses of enzodiazepines. In extreme cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be effective.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
