A Note on Cataplexy with Simultaneous EEG-Recordings

Abstract

A case of cataplexy with simultaneous EEG recording in a 37-year-old man is reported in which the patient suffered attacks of weakness, facial twitching and wild dreams. Dreams frequently accompanied the onset of sleep. The EEG correlated with the clinical picture in that the normal alpha-rhythm underwent flattening and then a typical paradoxical sleep pattern occurred. All-night sleep EEG showed immediate onset of REM sleep with zero latency. In addition there was instability with prevalence of the light sleep phase over deep sleep, prolonged awakening and an increase in the amount of REM sleep. Under medication with imipramine (30 mg/day) the patient experienced no cataplectic attacks and could return to work.