Hyperekplexia
Since I am fascinated with genetic disorders, I came across this one while reading AOL news. It is called hyperekplexia and it is a genetic disorder that when the person is startled the person freezes much like the expression scared stiff. This disorder is when someone has a delayed reaction to something suprising such as fireworks.
This is very interesting. If you want to read about a person who suffers from this illness and what he does to cope with you can check out the article from the London Telegraph here. By the way the man in the article is also a male stripper and dances with a group called the Crippledales.
Dear J Scott,
Hi there I am the guy from England who as the very rare Condition of Hyperkplexia. I am really pleased and glad you read the article from The London Telegraph. I am aged 34 but got diganosed when I was 21 in London. I have stiffness in my gait which affects my walking and generally all over my body. I startle very at expected noises like fireworks that explains why I dont like bonfire night!!. Startle at other things such as car horns, phone ringing, people coughing, etc anything that unexpected.
I am trying to get this condition made more awarness because it gets mislead by other condtions. Well to be honest I find Hyperkplexia very interesting living with it but always try and keep postive from whatever happens. Hence I am really pleased the aricle as reached the states. I am trying to gain more awarness each day as firework night is my worse time but it with me each day.
I would like to send more articles to american national papers and willing to speak to any American media about this i.e papers or maybe radio stations. As you know i am from the Uk. But I am wondering if you know anyone who would like to chat to me more about this over the states and if so that would be great for me.
Kind regards
Andrew Latham