Cerebral Palsy & Movie Theaters

golucky252

Hello, I’m 25 and I have mild cerebral palsy.I am a wheelchair user.  I’ve been knowing this guy for almost 2 years . We recently started back talking to each other. I really like him. He seems to like me. He invited me to the movies but I declined because of family issues. But mostly I declined because of my startle reflex that comes from cerebral palsy! The last time I rolled into a movie theater  was nearly 6 years ago! (Yikes.) I have tried to stay away from movie theaters because of overwhelming anxiety from jumpiness. When I visited a movie theater it felt as if someone had turned a light switch on and I couldn’t stop jumping… -sigh- Cerebral Palsy really has robbed the whole  movie theater experience. Is there any medications or home remedies that would be recommended? I would greatly appreciate it! I’ve heard seizure medications help. Is this true?

golucky252

@Biblioklept Thanks for the advice! I will try this. And actually it’s just the embarrassment of it all. Just what would he think of me? Just embarrassing. And some years ago I went with a so called “friend” they were making fun of me the whole time. I never went back.

golucky252

@Biblioklept I guess the movie theater stimuli is too noisy and “exciting” for my nervous system lol. When I’m home I’m more comfortable and calm. Although there’s an occasional startle when someone walks up from behind lol. Or comes around the corner suddenly. But it’s just who I am. You’re right maybe I should embrace. There are people that will love me for who I am. Do you have  Cerebral Palsy too?

Richard_Scope

Hi @golucky252
I'm very familiar with startle reflex, I live with CP and I get asked this question a lot. There is no clear answer yet as to why the Moro or startle reflex stays in people with spastic CP and about 3% of the general population. 

The Moro reflex is a baby's 'fight or flight' mechanism and usually calms around 2 to 3 months. There are things that can make it worse e.g. illness, tiredness, menstrual cycle, dehydration and caffeine. G.P.s tend to prescribe Beta Blockers but I'm yet to hear of any positive outcomes from this treatment in terms of reduction in startle. I'm sorry I cannot give a definitive answer to this.

golucky252

@Richard_Scope wow, that’s interesting 🧐. Thank you for the information