NeuroTalk Support Groups - Startle Reflex

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Multiple Sclerosis (https://www.neurotalk.org/multiple-sclerosis/)

- - Startle Reflex (https://www.neurotalk.org/multiple-sclerosis/230396-startle-reflex.html)

So I've noticed that my startle reflex is working overtime lately. :rolleyes:

The most common noises make me jump out of my skin! What is going on? I didn't used to be like this.

Yesterday my 2016 calendar slid down the wall onto the floor right beside my desk (where I was sitting). I nearly fell out of my chair. I jumped like someone set off a firecracker behind me. :confused: Total over reaction to a simple event.

If I'm walking down the hallway and step on a cat toy or something else that happens to be in the way it nearly makes me fall. Thank goodness I've always got my rollator.

Why am I reacting to things like this? I never used to. Any unexpected noise (loud or not) just makes me physically jump and my heart starts beating rapidly......almost like momentary panic. I'm usually very, very calm. Rarely do I get angry. This has got me baffled.

Kelly, it's called panic disorder and I've had It for all of the MS years..
Paxil ls the only med that took it away:). I must try it again ASAP.:eek:

I have found my Startle Reflex control has regressed with MS. The Startle Reflex can be seen in babies, a very basic neurological reflex (stiffening of body, etc.), less seen as we mature unless something happens to elicit it and ideally for self-preservation. Startle reflex is momentary but on-going panic attacks should be treated with help of professional. MS has made me more jumpy and when I taught Emotionally Disturbed teens my way was never let them see me sweat. Cool and collected back then, now not so much. I get discombobulated easier now. Always the question for me-age or MS?

MS seems to cause more swing of affect (emotions) in me also. Quicker to cry or laugh or anger.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kicker (Post 1190478)

MS seems to cause more swing of affect (emotions) in me also. Quicker to cry or laugh or anger.

I haven't noticed any other fluctuation of emotions.....just this startle reflex.

The thing is I don't feel anxious or "panicky" before or after. It just startles me.....and then it's over. My heartbeat immediately slows after the initial jolt.

I really don't want to start another med unless it just gets so bad that it's affecting my health.

I have the same issue. My startle reflex goes into overdrive when someone speaks to me while my back is turned. I throw up my hands and make a vocal sound. Have had this challenge for years.

IMO that is startle reflex(expected) and not an anxiety attack. Not a big med. fan, see no need for it. BOO! (did I get you?)

I believe in meds when really they help.

I got upset when an old neurologist (of course I use him no longer) gave me Antidepressants for my MS discomfort when I showed no signs of clinical depression. He never followed up with any questions and I took them long enough so if they worked they would have, then discontinued them. He never told me anything, just gave them to me!! My problem was he handed them out like they were candy. Our society in general acts like here's a pill for anything wrong. They do help some with MS pain but HE NEVER followed up.

Hi Kitty,

I ran across a MSAA publication quite some time ago, it was written in 2008. Not sure it will be helpful for you, but I thought it was interesting.

I have an exaggerated startle reflex but mine is due to PTSD and not related to MS.

Quote:

EXAGGERATED STARTLE RESPONSE (HYPEREKPLEXIA) IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: REVIEW OF 30 PATIENT-REPORTED CASES
Exaggerated startle response or hyperekplexia (also known as hyperexplexia) is not recognized to be associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this report is to increase the awareness of this symptom in MS. Thirty-seven patients self-reported "startle response" after an inquiry in MSAA's "Ask the Doctor" column in The Motivator. Most cases of hyperekplexia in the medical literature are related to hereditary neonatal hyperekplexia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Hyperekplexia involves an overactive autonomic arousal, which creates difficulty discriminating and interpreting stimuli. The primary treatment reported in the literature has been clonazepam. No MS patients [responding to the survey] received clonazepam. Thirty of the 37 respondents completed the survey. Startle was usually precipitated by auditory (82 percent), visual (17 percent), tactile (six percent), or a combination of stimuli. The average age of onset of MS symptoms was 26 and the onset of startle was 35. Less than 20 percent of MS patients had startle before their MS, which suggests previous trauma (PTSD) is not related. Other data include: 67 percent have the relapsing-remitting form of MS; 93 percent reported multiple episodes per day; 90 percent have an exaggerated startle response at least once a week and half of these experience startling at least daily. Hyperekplexia was variously described as frightening, embarrassing, painful, dangerous (falling), and disruptive to personal and professional relationships. A total of 73 percent had not had discussions with any healthcare professional, and 17 percent reported that their doctors stated that startle might be related to MS, but had no therapeutic suggestions. In conclusion, hyperekplexia is an under-recognized but potentially treatable symptom of multiple sclerosis. Increased recognition and understanding will promote treatment options.

— Jack Burks, MD, Miriam Franco, MSW, PsyD, Andrea L. Griesé; Susan Wells Courtney; John J. Masino
http://www.mymsaa.org/publications/m...research-news/