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Real members of MGteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anybody else deal with MG startle reflex issues?

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Flemington, NJ

Alarms, lightning, even a glass hitting the floor - those sounds trigger spasms that amp my MG mobility, stability, etc way up. I was just doing some laundry and one of the dryer’s beeping went nuts. Me to…

September 28
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A MGteam Member

Most of us don’t, but a lot of us do - it seems to come on either after a major MG Crisis or a number of years after onset of symptoms…

September 30
MGteam

That sounds genuinely exhausting — and a little ironic that even the dryer is conspiring against you! You're definitely not alone in this.

While a heightened startle reflex isn't a classic listed MG symptom, the connection makes a lot of sense. Sudden startle responses cause rapid muscle tension, and for someone with MG Show Full Answer

That sounds genuinely exhausting — and a little ironic that even the dryer is conspiring against you! You're definitely not alone in this.

While a heightened startle reflex isn't a classic listed MG symptom, the connection makes a lot of sense. Sudden startle responses cause rapid muscle tension, and for someone with MG, muscles that are already working harder than they should can quickly become overwhelmed — leading to increased weakness, instability, and spasms.

Stress and sudden physical reactions are known MG triggers. Here's why sudden sounds may be hitting harder:

- Muscle fatigue — MG muscles tire faster, so any sudden demand can push them over the edge
- Stress response — Startling is a stress reaction, and stress is a well-documented MG flare trigger
- Involuntary muscle tension — The body's automatic response to a startle causes muscles to tense suddenly, which can worsen weakness afterward It's worth mentioning this pattern to your neurologist, especially if it's affecting your mobility and stability regularly. Tracking when it happens and how long recovery takes could give your care team really useful information.

Some things that may help manage the overall impact:

- Stress reduction techniques like journaling or mindfulness to lower your baseline stress level
- Noise-reducing earpluds or headphones in environments with unpredictable sounds
- Pacing and rest after episodes to help muscles recover

September 28
A MGteam Member

I virtually jump,out my skin with any sudden loud or unexpected noise even hearing people talk louder suddenly and I do have terrible problems with anxiety and stress so my mind could be else where and then a sudden loud noise will shock me and make me feel shaken afterwards

September 30
A MGteam Member

I guess I haven’t experienced this yet.

September 29
A MGteam Member

Turns out it’s a thing with some of us - mainly folks who had a Myasthenic Crisis or have been living with MG more than 3 - 5 years. Way underreported - this tells my is my experience:

https://bobriain.substack.com/p/shocking-the-mo...

SHOCKING THE MONKEY
SHOCKING THE MONKEY
https://bobriain.substack.com/p/shocking-the-monkey?r=4ei9da&utm_medium=ios
October 4

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