Sensitization occurs when a reaction to a stimulus causes an increased reaction to a second stimulus. It is essentially an exaggerated startle response and is often seen in trauma survivors. During habituation, fewer neurotransmitters are released at the synapse.

How does sensitization occur?

Sensitization is the process that occurs after neurogenic inflammation when neurons become more responsive to both nociceptive and non-nociceptive stimuli, namely decrease in thresholds of response, increase in magnitude of response, expansion of receptive field, and emergence of spontaneous activity.

What is an example of sensitization?

One simple example of sensitization is that school children are frequently sensitized to the sound of a ringing bell when they are waiting for the end of the school day. You may experience cognitive sensitization when you are waiting for your cell phone to ring when you know someone important is about to call.