“I have a laughing disease. You might wonder, ‘Is laughing a problem?’ For me, it is. If I start laughing, I can’t stop for 15 to 20 minutes,” she shares.
These emotional outbursts can occur without any triggering event and are typically more intense and frequent than those experienced by individuals without the condition.
Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar explained that the main issue with people experiencing this condition is that they laugh or smile without any reason.
“There is a mismatch between the facial expression and the feelings inside. Normally, when people laugh or smile, it means they feel happy inside,” Dr Kumar told South First.
PBA can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life, leading to social withdrawal, difficulty in relationships, and challenges in professional settings.
Initially, PBA was thought to be unique to motor neuron disease. It was later discovered that it also appears in other conditions, such as brain strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and more.
Management of PBA involves reassuring the patient, counselling, and non-drug treatments. Techniques such as mind diversion, muscle relaxation, and meditation can help.