Understanding the Startle Reflex and Cerebral Palsy

Richard_Scope

Hi @Emma1980
You most certainly aren't on your own with this.

Apart from what I posted earlier in this thread, there's not a lot we can do about having an extreme startle reflex-- the best countermeasure is simply to be aware and mindful of our surroundings, so things don't sneak up on us so easily. 

We can also use that same mindfulness to try to put ourselves in physical places where we have more control over what's behind us, even if we can't see it. We can choose to sit in places where we have the wall at our back or place our worktable in such a location that there's no traffic way behind us. If we tend to get startled by a suddenly ringing telephone, we can turn the ringer volume way down, so the noise doesn't sound quite as intrusive. Similarly, we can choose a "soft" ringtone for our mobile phones, so they don't startle us as much. 

JudithL

Thanks for sharing this. I do some of this instinctively I think. On buses and trains I always feel more comfortable sitting with the side affected by cp against the wall. 

Ironside1990

Having a startle reflex is I think the only thing about my disability that I feel shame.

I just get self conscious when it happens. My mam used to shout at me.

There needs to be more education about the startle reflex. It's not a question of being jumpy. It's a part of CP and people shouldn't be made to feel ashamed.

Richard_Scope

Thanks for your comments @JudithL and @Ironside1990.

It is the one aspect of CP that is very rarely discussed openly. I think that has to do with embarrassment and shame. I also find it interesting that there is very little academic research.

Emma1980

I know how you feel. I feel exactly the same way with the embarrassment. I just wish that people could be made more aware of it even medical Professionals don’t seem to know anything about it when I’ve tried explaining to them how sensitive my ears are

Cplife

@Emma1980
hi I have startle reflex too the pressure test Optictions do on your eyes makes me jump I usually worn them that will make me jump but I also explain why now I know what it’s called I didn’t realise my cp was the course of it. 

But thanks to this community  I’m  learning a lot about myself. 

When I was younger people would think it was funny to make me jump because it didn’t take much 

Ironside1990

It doesn't take much for me to jump either. Air brakes on buses and lorries, power tools, the list is endless.

JudithL

The eye test makes me jump too. It's so easily misinterpreted. I realise that this is probably why people assume I'm anxious, even when I'm not feeling anxious at all! It's really good to have a reason for this. The dentist can set it off (though to be honest that is also anxiety related.) I've found it best to tell her before we start, so it doesn't get misinterpreted as her causing pain.

rafaelrss

Thanks for sharing this information, I have had such reflex all my life but only recently I learned it is due my CP. For me even without a sound it happens, I mean even a unexpected hand touch in my shoulder makes me jump in my wheelchair and even worsens my arms movements. I relate with JudithL about anxiety, I think most people assume we CP people are anxious because of this reflex.