Did my 'Startle Response' affect my PD Examination?

[Swimfast]

I have developed a significant startle response. I think that this affected my PD 'pull back' test.

The first time this was done was 11 months ago. The doctor stood behind me and pulled back to unbalance me. My reaction was a panic response and it took 7 steps backwards to regain my balance.

He tested this again and I had the same response. He told me that taking 7 steps backward was the wrong result for early stage PD. I should have possibly needed 2 or 3 steps before regaining my balance. He would expect 7 steps for a PWP of 10 years!

He became very suspicious and I felt that he believed that I was faking symptoms! I did manage to persuade him to refer me to a Movement disorder specialist. I am still waiting to see him to get assessed properly.

Around 4 months ago I was seen by an intern. He noted that when he called my name, I shot up from my chair very quickly. He felt that a PWP should move much slower. Neither my doctor or my Intern had ever heard of the 'Startle response'.

Has anyone else had similar experiences? Fast movements or responses are not usually seen in PD, so this could be a contra-indication to medical professionals, that should be pointed out to them.

[park_bear]

I have noticed on those occasions when I am startled i am surprised at how quickly I move. So in my case, too, the startle response is unaffected by PD.

[Swimfast]

The same Intern noted that I responded slowly to requests to move my hands and arms. So my normal response is slower than the average.

[Missy0202]

I have noticed the same for sure

[Rather]

Red flag for the Dr. suspecting that you are faking having PD, that's unprofessional to say the least. I would not go back to him.

[Swimfast in reply to Rather]

To be fair he did not say that to me. It was my impression of his reaction. I am looking for a new doctor.

[LAJ12345]

this is an interesting read. Perhaps you should ask for this GAD antibody test. It’s extremely rare though so unlikely but good to rule it out.

stuff.co.nz/national/health...

or this

rarediseases.org/rare-disea...

[Swimfast in reply to LAJ12345]

Celine Dion has 'stiff person's syndrome'. One in a million, but it is listed by Pfizer as a possible side effect of their mRNA. Could be a co-incidence or ? Thanks for sharing.

[LAJ12345 in reply to Swimfast]

have you been tested for diabetes? There seems to be a link there too.

Otherwise you could try a low dose of clonazapam if dr will prescribe as that is a treatment for rigidity and stiff persons syndrome and anxiety. Hubby takes 1 x 0.5 mg cut into quarters over the day. It is very addictive so you have to have the willpower to just take a minimum of it and not be tempted to increase the dose or you will end up in a heap of trouble. If you have a support person living with you you could ask them to manage dishing it out to you to prevent mismanagement.

[Gymsack]

It is well documented that PD causes a startle response even when you know that the event is going to happen ,very strange to see it because it looks like your response is suspect.

Any doctor who knows PD knows that. You may be a bit sensitive and be worrying too much about what they think but then I have fired two Neuros who talked but did not listen.

Go easy on the Neuros , imagine having that job. Talking with people like us every day and unable to do much more than prescribe two or 3 medications. They must be bored to tears but they have invested a lot of time and money and effort and can't just quit.