Interestingly, a startle response can be reduced if a nonthreatening stimulus is presented immediately before the disruptive sensory stimulus. This phenomenon is known as prepulse inhibition (PPI) and reflects the nervous system's ability to prepare for a strong sensory stimulus after a small warning (the prepulse).

How do I lower my startle response?

The startle response looks very similar to that. We can reverse this overactive response by recruiting the social engagement system and its calming effect by simply turning the head slowly from left to right.

What causes heightened startle response?

In children and adults, intensity of the startle response may be affected by stress or anxiety. Onset of both major and minor forms of hyperekplexia is usually from birth, but in some patients it does not occur until adolescence or adulthood. Mild intellectual disability may also be observed.