Common Misdiagnoses of Cataplexy

Cataplexy is the term used to define a medical condition characterized by short periods of a decrease in muscle strength and tone. The disorder is neurological in nature and is often associated with another medical condition known as narcolepsy, which is a severe and damaging sleep disorder. However, cataplexy can occur on its own as well. Cataplexy is typically bought on by feelings of high emotion, such as fear, laughter, surprise, or anger. The degree to which the body is affected by this condition varies. Some people may be affected to the point where their muscles become so weak that they fall down and their vital signs become barely detectable. Others simply feel tired and weak. When one is experiencing an attack from cataplexy, the person also normally loses the ability to speak and see clearly.

Proper Procedure for Diagnosis

Like diagnosing all other medical conditions, there is a proper procedure for diagnosis pertaining to cataplexy. Since this condition is typically associated with narcolepsy, a doctor should first test and evaluate the patient for this condition. Narcolepsy can be tested for through different types of sleep tests. Once narcolepsy is diagnosed, a person exhibiting cataplexy symptoms may also be diagnosed with this related disorder. The doctor can also use testing to eliminate other causes of similar symptoms, such as epilepsy or SSRI discontinuation syndrome. 

Misread, Delayed, and Missed Diagnosis

Since the signs and symptoms of cataplexy can resemble the signs and symptoms of other medical conditions like those mentioned above, it is common for this condition to be misdiagnosed. For this reason, it is vital for the treating physician to evaluate all avenues and rule out similar conditions before arriving at a final diagnosis. Without ruling out all possibilities before arriving at an answer, the doctor could be improperly diagnosing cataplexy and the actual underlying cause would not be treated. Because cataplexy is rare, it is common that doctors will not be able to specifically recognize the symptoms, so referral to a specialist may also become necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. 

Consequences of Delayed Treatment and Misdiagnosis

Delayed treatment for cataplexy could potentially lead to death. Although the disease's affects on the body itself are not fatal, if an attack occurs while someone is operating a vehicle or a heavy piece of equipment, that person could possible harm himself or others. Furthermore, if the condition is improperly diagnosed as epilepsy or if epilepsy or a related condition is improperly diagnosed as cataplexy, the wrong treatment could be given.

Getting Help

In some cases, a doctor's failure to diagnose a condition could lead to a medical malpractice claim. Negligence must be proven in such cases by comparing what a reasonable doctor would have done to what the potentially negligent doctor did. In the case of cataplexy, proving negligence resulting from misdiagnosis may be difficult because the condition is rare. However, you may wish to speak with a qualified attorney if you believe you have a claim. Your lawyer can assist you in exploring any and all options you have for holding your doctor responsible for the harm you suffered as a result of negligence.