CATATONIA

CATATONIA

Catatonia is a psychomotor disease, which involves a relation between movement and cognitive function. This condition can influence the capability of a person to move normally. 

Individuals with this condition may experience various symptoms. “Stupor,” or the inability to speak, move, or react to stimuli, is one of the most common symptoms. Nevertheless, some individuals with this condition might manifest agitated behavior and too much movement. 

Additionally, this condition can last for hours to weeks and even months to years. It can come back regularly for weeks after the first episode. 

If the symptoms of catatonia have a recognizable cause, it is called extrinsic. And if there’s no cause, it is called intrinsic. 

In most cases, catatonia can be cured, yet if not, it could lead to more serious issues.

TYPES

There are three primary types of catatonia, including:

  • Excited
  • Akinetic
  • Malignant

SYMPTOMS

There are many symptoms of catatonia. The most common ones include:

  • Stupor
  • Waxy flexibility or posturing
  • Echolalia
  • Lack of appetite
  • Negativism
  • Catalepsy
  • Grimacing
  • Echopraxia
  • Mutism
  • Restlessness 
  • Agitation 
  • Sweating 
  • Rigidity 
  • Fever 
  • Delirium 

Vital signs, including heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, can change. These may need immediate medical treatment.

So, if you experience any of the symptoms above, go to the doctor to identify what is causing your problems. 

DIAGNOSIS

There’s no specific test to diagnose catatonia. However, the doctor may perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms to help rule out the cause of the issues. Afterward, he/she may request the following tests to confirm the diagnosis.

  • Blood tests
  • (BFCRS) Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale
  • MRI or CT Scan
  • Fibrin D-dimer blood test

It’s always essential to have the right diagnosis so that your condition will be treated correctly. 

TREATMENT

Usually, doctors treat catatonia with a type of sedative known as benzodiazepine, which is often used to alleviate anxiety. 

Another treatment is (ECT) electroconvulsive therapy. It conveys electrical impulses to the brain via electrodes that are put on the head. Also, patients are given sleeping medicines during the procedure. It may be suggested if:

  • The catatonia is serious
  • The sedative doesn’t work
  • The person had an episode of catatonia before
  • Fast action is necessary to save someone’s life

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