
Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Be aware that not all people with cataplexy will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. People with cataplexy may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them.
CATAPLEXY IN HANDS HOW TO
For more information about how to determine whether a person has a disability under the ADA, see How to Determine Whether a Person Has a Disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Instead, the ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more "major life activities," (2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. The ADA does not contain a definitive list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Cataplexy and the Americans with Disabilities Act Some of the most common limitations stemming from a cataplectic attack are weakened speech, vision issues, trouble balancing, upper extremity weakness, and/or collapsing. While a cataplectic attack is usually very short in duration and leaves no residual effects, there may be symptoms that would require workplace accommodations. Other symptoms may include balance issues, upper extremity weakness, and/or collapsing. Some people with narcolepsy can have cataplectic attacks almost daily, while there are some people with narcolepsy that have never experienced cataplexy.ĭuring a cataplectic attack the person will remain conscious however, the person may experience jaw dropping, which can cause speech limitations, or eyelids drooping, which can interfere with vision. These episodes tend to have few, if any, residual effects. Most episodes are short in duration, lasting a few seconds up to five minutes. Cataplexy by itself is considered a rare disease. Attacks are brief, most lasting from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and typically involve dropping of the jaw, neck weakness, and/or buckling of the knees. Cataplexy is the sudden loss of voluntary muscle tone or temporary paralysis that is often triggered by extreme emotion, such as laughter or fear. Cataplexy manifests itself as muscular weakness which may range from a barely perceptible slackening of the facial muscles to complete muscle paralysis with postural collapse.
