what's proper term for "the chills" (not cold-related)?

Question

i'm trying to find the term for what some people call "the chills", as in, "it gives me the chills". it's sort of a spasm that people get in the spinal region when they get scared, or otherwise. i'm not looking for the "chills" associated with shivering or fevers. muchas gracias.

piloerection and cutis anserina are both part of the "chills" i'm talking about. thank you to the first answer provider. those were helpful. i'm looking more for the spinal region muscle spasm associated with these.

Answer 1

Blood shifts away from the body's peripherals (hands, feet) toward the trunk in response to sympathetic peripheral vascular constriction. The sympathetic nervous system tenses and relaxes involuntary muscles, including the blood vessel muscles.

This reaction is caused by stress and is part of the "fight or flight" syndrome. The stress may be "good" or "bad" stress; some people experience chills when they are excited or happy.

So is the phrase you are looking for called "sympathetic peripheral vascular constriction"?

Here is a rather technical article on the autonomic nervous system. http://home.earthlink.net/~griesinger/rans.htm

For more info, you might want to search "chills" and "sympathetic nervous system".

Answer 2

Tingling sensation and shivers up and down my spine. Chills and thrills. Scared out of my wits. Chilling feeling. Felt chills all over. Creepy air of mystery.


Goosebumps; butterflies in my stomach and chills; and hot flashes are some symptoms to be most likely present in a panic attack. The attacks can be so disabling that the person is unable to express to others what is happening to them. A doctor might also note various signs of panic: The person may appear terrified or shaky or be hyperventilating (deep, rapid breathing causing dizziness



Both fear and anxiety send signals through the body that prepare all systems for possible danger. Hormones, such as adrenaline and catecholamine, are released in what is known as the "fight or flight"response.


The sudden increase in hormone levels speeds up the heart
and increases the amount of blood being pumped. At the same time, the muscles tighten, increasing the individual's ability to fight or flee from danger.


The intensity of these physiological responses varies
according to the seriousness of the event or thought that sparked the emotion, the strength of the individual's fear or anxiety, and his or her previous experience and genetic makeup.


While both fear and anxiety can provoke an arousal response, their other effects diverge. Very intense fear sometimes serves to "freeze" the body to protect it from harm, causing little or no change in heart rate and blocking the impulse to move. In anxiety, the physical changes caused by arousal lead to a second stage marked by thought
patterns such as worry, dread, and mental replays of anxiety-arousing events.


As long as there's a good reason for fear or anxiety, and it doesn' interfere with the ability to work, play, and socialize, it is not considered a problem. But when anxiety takes on a life of its own and begins to disrupt everyday activities, the situation is no longer normal. A genuine emotional disorder is now at work . . . and it's time to see a doctor.”

“Faced by a threat, your body responds with a complex cascade of chemicals. The hypothalamus, alerted by the brain, pumps out a specialized hormone that ultimately prompts the two adrenal gland (perched atop the kidneys) to release the energizing hormone known as adrenaline. The result—faster pulse, higher blood pressure, sharpened
awareness—is the "fight or flight" response to fear and anxiety

Answer 3

piloerection or cutis anserina