What is hyperexcitability?

Hyperexcitability is when something becomes super sensitive and reacts really strongly to even small changes.

Imagine your favorite toy, a rubber chicken that wiggles when you press it. Now imagine it starts wiggling nonstop, not just when you press it, but even when the wind blows or someone sneezes nearby. That’s like hyperexcitability! The rubber chicken is so sensitive now that tiny things make it react in a big way.

Think of your brain as a radio. Usually, it tunes in to just the right station, the sounds and signals it needs. But when something goes wrong, the radio might start picking up every sound, even the ones you don’t want. That’s like hyperexcitability in the brain! It can make things feel too loud, too bright, or too busy.

When someone has hyperexcitability, they might feel overwhelmed by simple things: a flickering light, a loud noise, or even being touched. It's like having a toy that wiggles so much it’s hard to play with, everything feels too intense!