Student collapses every time
she
giggles because of rare muscle condition
They say laughter is the best cure, but not for Kay Underwood'. In fact, a fit of the giggles is all it takes to cause the 20-year-old student to collapse on the spot.
Miss Underwood suffers from cataplexy - a muscular weakness triggered by emotion which can lead to anything from slackening of the facial muscles to total collapse.
Any form of emotion such as, anger, fear, surprise, awe and even embarrassment can also cause similar reactions, but for Miss Underwood, it is a fit of the giggles which does the trick.
Victims are often left paralysed for several minutes, although they always retain the ability to hear what is going on around them.
Today she told how the condition is no laughing matter - and once caused her to collapse more than 40 times in a single day. Miss Underwood, of Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire, said, "People find it very odd when it happens, and it isn't always easy to cope with strangers' reactions.Once, when I collapsed on some stairs, a woman walked past, hit me over the head and said I should have collapsed in a more convenient place! But I've learnt to live with it. I can tell when it's going to happen and have learnt to fall in a comfortable position or find something to lean on."
Don't get comfortable with your problems. They are not meant to be there!If you or someone you know is struggling through life then come and experience the power of prayer.
Attend the Power of Prayer meeting every Tuesday at the Rainbow Theatre or at your local branch. See if you too can benefit. Attend one of the sessions at 7am, 10am, 3pm and 7.30pm.
