Cataplexy and Dental Appointments

Advice Request

Hey y’all.
I’ve developed cataplexy symptoms over the past year which has been incredibly debilitating. I have 5-10 attacks a day and often experience full body collapse (not usually instantly though). I am trying to figure out how to go to the dentist but I’m worried about how to navigate it knowing it will almost certainly trigger an attack as I have severe dental anxiety. When I spoke to my dentist she was super nervous about treating me and needed me to get further medical clearance.

Does anyone have experience dealing with the dentist and managing cataplexy attacks? How do you manage an attack if it happens in the chair and what accommodations might you ask for?

Many thanks!

Posted Jul 13, 2026, 4:34 PM UTC

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