Hyperekplexia

Hyperekplexia is when your body responds in a really big way when you get scared or surprised. When something startles you, your body naturally reacts by jumping or flinching. However, when you have hyperekplexia, your body jumps and stiffens up a lot more than it should. This can be scary and can make it hard for you to move normally.

It’s like when someone jumps out to scare you, and you scream and your whole body flinches. But for people with hyperekplexia, their whole bodies can freeze up and they can’t move for a few seconds.

It happens because some parts of the brain and spine that control how muscles move aren't working properly. These areas are in charge of telling your muscles when to relax after they contract, but when they're not working right, your muscles stay contracted and you can't move until they relax on their own.

Doctors can help people with hyperekplexia by giving them medicine to relax their muscles or by teaching them ways to manage their symptoms. With a little help, people with hyperekplexia can lead normal lives, just like everyone else.