Catalepsy facts for kids
Catalepsy is a condition that affects the nervous system. When someone experiences catalepsy, their body becomes stiff, with very rigid muscles and a fixed body position. They might not react to things happening around them, and they might not feel pain as much as usual.
Sometimes, hypnotists use the term "catalepsy" to describe when they make a hypnotized person's arm, leg, or back become stiff. This "arm catalepsy" is often a test done before someone goes into a deep trance during hypnosis.
What Causes Catalepsy?
Catalepsy is often a symptom of certain nervous system disorders or conditions. These can include illnesses like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.
In some rare cases, catalepsy can be triggered by a very strong emotional shock. A famous example of this happened to Bob Beamon, a long jump athlete at the 1968 Summer Olympics. When he realized he had broken the world record by a huge amount, he experienced a brief moment of catalepsy due to the extreme shock and excitement.
What Are the Signs of Catalepsy?
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The signs of catalepsy can include:
- A stiff or rigid body.
- Limbs (arms and legs) that are hard to move.
- If someone moves a person's arm or leg, it might stay in that new position, like a wax figure (this is called waxy flexibility).
- No reaction to things happening around them.
- A temporary loss of muscle control.
- A slowing down of normal body functions, such as breathing.
See also
In Spanish: Catalepsia para niños
