What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Latah
• Myriachit
• Rajun Cajuns

What is Jumping Frenchmen of Maine? (Definition/Background Information)

• Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is a highly infrequent condition that is characterized by an extreme startle reaction due to a sudden or unexpected stimulus, such as a loud noise or physical contact or a visual trigger. The condition is also known as Exaggerated Startle Response
• The condition appears to onset after puberty or during the teen years and is more likely to affect men than women. No risk factors and cause for Jumping Frenchmen of Maine have been identified
• The signs and symptoms of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine, apart from an abnormal startle reaction, may include jumping, screaming, and flailing of the arms in response to the sudden noise or sight
• No treatment options or prevention methods for Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is currently available. However, therapy and counseling may be offered in case of severe stress due to the condition
• The prognosis for Jumping Frenchmen of Maine depends on the severity of the signs and symptoms. Individuals with milder conditions have a better prognosis than those with severe signs and symptoms. It also implies that such individuals have milder startle reaction in comparison to those with severe condition (who may have a decreased quality of life)

Who gets Jumping Frenchmen of Maine? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is seen to appear at the end of puberty or during the teenage years  (between 15-19 years)
• It affects both males and females, but shows a preference for males
• The disorder is believed to have originated in individuals (lumberjacks) of French Canadian descent. It has also been reported in parts of US (Louisiana), Malaysia, Siberia, India, Somalia, Yemen, and the Philippines. It is known by different names in different parts of the world

What are the Risk Factors for Jumping Frenchmen of Maine? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, scientists have not found any risk factors that increases one’s chances for Jumping Frenchmen of Maine

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine? (Etiology)

• Currently, research scientists have not found the exact cause of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine. It is triggered by a sudden stimulus that may be in the form of a noise, a sight, or a touch
• Some researchers believe that it is a neuropsychiatric disorder, while some are of the opinion that it is related to certain genetic and environmental factors. Research is being performed to understand the cause of the condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine?

The main symptom of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is an abnormal and exaggerated startle reaction. The onset of the startle reaction is due to a visual (sight), aural (noise), or tactile (touch) stimulus, which is observed to occur suddenly, without prior intimation.

The reactions or exaggerated response of the affected individual can include:

• Jumping
• Screaming
• Flailing of arms
• Hitting or throwing objects, or dropping objects held in the hand
• Echolalia, or the repetition of words or phrases
• Coprolalia: Involuntarily swearing or say inappropriate words or phrases (foul-mouthing)
• Forced obedience: Individuals respond to simple commands, such as run or jump. After a startle reaction, the affected individuals are more prone to doing acts that they would not otherwise perform/do

Individuals may present different features of a startle reaction to each stimulus they have; meaning that the affected individual may react differently to each event causing an abnormal startle response.

How is Jumping Frenchmen of Maine Diagnosed?

There are no specific blood tests or radiological imaging studies to diagnose Jumping Frenchmen of Maine. The condition may be evaluated by:

• Analysis of medical history by a healthcare professional
• Physical evaluation
• Specialized tests to rule out other conditions
• Psychological assessment

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine?

The complications of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine include:

• Inability to control and mediate surrounding stimuli, which can negatively impact the control an individual has over their daily life
• Inability to operate machinery or drive cars due to the potential risk of an accident occurring from a startle reaction
• Undue fatigue and emotional stress

How is Jumping Frenchmen of Maine Treated?

• There is no cure or specific treatment regimen available for individuals with Jumping Frenchmen of Maine. But, the severity and frequency of episodes tend to become milder with age
• Psychotherapy and counseling for stress, with the goal of helping the affected individual may be provided, as required

How can Jumping Frenchmen of Maine be Prevented?

Currently, no preventative measures have been identified, because the cause of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is unknown and requires more research.

What is the Prognosis of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is good for individuals who have less severe startle reactions
• However, daily life may be impacted considerably by startle reactions, which may cause acute problems for some, especially for indivdiuals with severe signs and symptoms

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Jumping Frenchmen of Maine:

• Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is reported to be first identified during the 19th century in the US state of Maine and Quebec region of Canada. It was first seen among the French Canadians who were lumberjacks
• Jumping Frenchmen of Maine has very similar signs and symptoms to Tourette syndrome. A differential diagnosis may be necessary in some cases to identify the two conditions

The following link can help you understand Tourette syndrome:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/