Pseudobulbar Affect

Pseudobulbar Affect

It is defined as the mental condition in which there is sudden episodes of unpredictable and inappropriate crying or laughing. It is associated with other neurological disorder.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms include:

• Outburst of crying or laughing
• Mood swings
• Unstable emotional state
• Loss of appetite
• Depression

Causes

Causes of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) includes:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Multiple sclerosis

Complications

If left untreated it may cause the several complications like anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.

Diagnosis

After taking medical history and conducting general physical examination your doctor might recommend the MRI for detailed brain images or x-ray of brain.

Treatment

The main aim of treatment is to reduce the signs and symptoms and prevent the complications, treatment include:

• Dextromethorphan to treat PBA
• Antidepressants to reduce the panic attacks and depression