An Unusual Startling

Hyperekplexia is a rare movement disorder, which is mostly of genetic origin; though acquired cases are rarely reported. This disorder is characterized by excessive startling response to external stimuli; this can be disenabling, affecting quality-of-life. Furthermore, it can easily be mistaken for an epileptic disorder. Therefore, the case of a 10-year-old boy who presented with excessive startling shortly after been treated for cerebral malaria is reported; the patient responded to carbamazepine and was discharged home afterward.