The acoustic
startle response is normal in patients with multiple system atrophy.
Repeated measures ANOVA with the dB level of prepulse (70 dB, 80 dB, and 84 dB) as the within-subject factor and treatment group as the between-subject factor revealed, as expected, a significant within-subject effect of the PPI level with increasing amplitudes of prepulses leading to increased inhibition of the
startle response to the subsequent pulse (repeated measures ANOVA, within subjects: F(2, 168) =491.153, p < 0.0001).
Willott, "Effects of inferior colliculus lesions on the acoustic
startle response," Behavioral Neuroscience, vol.
Startle response is such as might be caused by a sudden sound from one's left.
The
startle response and accompanying fear could explain many LOC-I accidents.
To this extent, Sege, Bradley, and Lang (2013) have recently reported weaker emotional modulation of the
startle response for cued pictures (preceded by a color signaling the upcoming thematic content), as compared to non-cued scenes.
These findings are relevant to our understanding of functional stability in patients with OT because the central neurological pathways that mediate the acoustic
startle response are believed to involve centers within the brainstem that are responsible for postural control.
Joseph Franklin and colleagues used recording electrodes to measure participants' negative emotions (eyeblink
startle response) and positive emotions (muscle activity behind the ear) in response to loud noises; sometimes the loud noise was presented alone and other times it was presented 3.5, 6, or 14 seconds after receiving a low- or high-intensity shock.
People who develop ASD could suffer from depression, anxiety, hyper vigilance, exaggerated
startle response, invasive thoughts, among others.
Muscle tone was permanently increased, as indicated by tetanus-like erection of the ears and by a violent but brief
startle response to the slightest acoustic or tactile stimulation (Figure).