Do You Have Hyperekplexia Anxiety Disorder?
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The hyperekplexia anxiety disorder is characterized by an exaggerated startle response in situations of distress. In extreme cases, this response can be so severe that there are resultant broken bones and problems swallowing and speaking.
Those with hyperekplexia anxiety disorder may not only respond in an exaggerated way to startling noises or other disturbances, but may actually experience a form of stiffness wherein they fall to the ground like a log, or have involuntary jerking movements of their arms and legs, even to the point of shouting and jumping, all of which are out of the patient's control. This disorder can be very difficult to understand, and is often misdiagnosed or confused with forms of epilepsy or other diseases and conditions.
What Causes It?
This is a genetic disorder than takes over one's limbs and other extremities when startled. Hyperekplexia anxiety disorder also causes a person's eyes to close involuntarily, something that resembled narcolepsy or other seizure disorders. It is easily misdiagnosed and still greatly misunderstood. Especially when present in babies is it difficult to diagnose correctly.
This condition is a genetic disorder; geneticists have identified the mutation in the chromosome that causes this disease. There is nothing you have done to bring it on yourself and nothing that you can do to simply cure it. It does however seem to be inherent and run in families, although the incidents of parents having hyperekplexia anxiety disorder are not the only factor in whether or not children will or will not have the disorder. Many have the disease with no family history.
Who Gets It?
It's thought that most persons who have hyperekplexia anxiety disorder outgrow it within the first year of their life; in other words, it's typically a disorder that affects infants and not adults. This isn't always the case of course. There are adults who have lingering symptoms that are somewhat milder but that can still be classified as hyperekplexia anxiety disorder.
The fact that most outgrow this disease before their first year is one of the reasons that it is so difficult to diagnose correctly. Often, when only a small amount of the population suffers from a certain disorder, doctors are hesitant to even guess that this may be the cause of certain illnesses or conditions. Additionally, many do not even realize themselves that they have this condition and assume it is a type of nervous tic or other seizure disorder. There are many instances of persons being diagnosed with this disorder
with no family history of the disease, but again, it is not always accurately diagnosed so this may contribute to some misinformation regarding family history.
There seems to be no indication of a particular race or gender that has more cases of hyperekplexia anxiety disorder, or of having more extreme symptoms or episodes. Babies of all races and both genders are at equal risk for inheriting the disorder.
Symptoms
Beyond the exaggerated startle response, hyperekplexia anxiety disorder is sometimes also marked by strong head-retraction reflex and, in some cases, epilepsy. Eyes may also close or flutter involuntarily. The stiffness is not always as marked as when the person is an infant and becomes so stiff that he or she falls to the floor. The stiffness can be much less pronounced in older ones, and will vary from patient to patient.
In some cases of hyperekplexia anxiety disorder, there are also involuntary spasms that include jumping, falling, shouting, and jerking of the limbs. For some there is also an abnormal gait. These "attacks" seem to last only a few moments with most patients, another reason why it is often confused with epilepsy.
Bringing on Hyperekplexia Anxiety Disorder
The exaggerated startle response is typically seen in reaction to any type of unanticipated and potentially threatening sources, such as loud noises or sudden bright lights. Unexpected physical touches can also startle a person, such as someone coming up from behind them, or unexpectedly reaching to hug them. This stimulus can cause sudden jerking motions and contractions of the head, neck, and spine.
It's important to understand how hyperekplexia anxiety disorder affects every patient differently and in different degrees.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
It's unfortunate that in some places, parents have been accused of abusing or mistreating their children when in reality the babies have had hyperekplexia anxiety disorder. Because it is not so well known and the symptoms are different in each child, it is easily diagnosed or overlooked. Parents who have children that have the symptoms of this disorder do well to speak to their child's pediatrician to have it properly diagnosed so there is no misunderstanding. Genetic tests can be done and the chromosome responsible for it can be identified.
Babies with hyperekplexia anxiety disorder are at a higher risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Closer monitoring of babies with this disorder is no doubt needed.
Medication and Treatment
It's important to understand that there is no known cure as of yet for hyperekplexia anxiety disorder. Clonazepam or valproic may be prescribed to lessen its symptoms. Many patients have reported moderate success with these medications. Muscle relaxants and antidepressants are sometimes prescribed as well, also with moderate success.
Additionally, a disproportionate number of patients also have diabetes, so blood sugar and insulin testing should be done as well.
Anxiety and Depression
Many patients report anxiety and depression that accompany hyperekplexia anxiety disorder. Doctors need to be aware of the possibility of the emotional toll that this condition takes on both patients and family members alike. Antidepressants and tranquilizers may also be prescribed to help alleviate these symptoms. Additionally, support groups for others who have this disorder or who have children with this disorder can also be helpful.
While there is no known cure for hyperekplexia anxiety disorder, just knowing that you have the disease and understanding the symptoms and corresponding risks, along with an understanding of the risk of anxiety and depression as well, can do much to help a person deal with the condition.
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