Overview

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurological condition that causes outbursts of uncontrolled or inappropriate laughing or crying. These episodes don’t match your internal emotional state. PBA develops as the result of a brain injury or underlying neurological condition, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Although episodes of laughing or crying may seem appropriate for the triggering event (such as seeing or hearing something funny or sad), they tend to be more difficult to restrain. They can also be more intense and last longer than you would ordinarily expect.

PBA may be called several other names, including:

  • Emotional lability.
  • Pathological laughing and crying.
  • Involuntary emotional expression disorder.
  • Compulsive laughing or weeping.
  • Emotional incontinence.

PBA can have a substantial impact on your life and the lives of your family members and caregivers. It can cause embarrassment and anxiety, leading to withdrawal and social isolation.

How common is pseudobulbar affect?

Researchers estimate that 2 million to 7 million people in the United States have PBA. This range is large because PBA can vary in severity, and it’s often misdiagnosed.

Who does PBA affect?

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) affects children and adults who have an underlying neurological condition.

Studies estimate that PBA affects:

  • Up to 50% of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
  • Up to 48% of people with traumatic brain injury.
  • Up to 46% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Is the pseudobulbar affect a mental illness?

Some people consider PBA a psychiatric disorder (mental illness) since the observable emotional changes (laughing or crying) are associated with mood. However, since PBA results from damaged neurological circuitry in your brain, PBA is best classified as a neuropsychiatric syndrome. In other words, PBA is a brain condition accompanied by dysfunctional emotional expression.

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Symptoms

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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