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Who has PBA? Wanting to learn more

Posted by januaryjane @januaryjane, Mar 25 2:22am

I've had some episodes that started 6 years ago on and off. I start laughing at something that might be a little funny then it gets to be uncontrollable..over the top reaction to what is actually happening and it usually leads to crying. I can't say I'm happy or sad at the time, just confused. My mom has seen it and I know it weirded her out. As it should.
But I never brought it up to any doctor because I was afraid of anyone blaming my depression. I didn't need that type of attention as I was just trying to advocate for myself and have doctors take me seriously.
Not sure if it is PBA or not but I am sure it isnt anything related to emotions.
Either way it is kind of scary. I'd love to hear from anyone who does struggle with PBA.

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gently | @gently | Mar 25 6:38am

januaryjane,
I experienced this; it all stopped at menopause, which would be different from PBA. It does weird people out, and I'm not sure it should. I haven't seen or heard of others having this. I see your wisdom in not telling the doctors that you need to have take you seriously.
Even after 20 years I feel something good (consolation reassurance or camaraderie) knowing that I'm not/wasn't alone. Thanks for the post, though I haven't answers.

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dd2312 | @dd2312 | Mar 26 10:52pm

january jane,
I have PBA and am on a treatment that is very helpful. It is called Nuedexta. Here is a link about it: Nuedexta.com. And there is a quiz on the website that helps you to determine if you have it: https://www.nuedexta.com/pba-quiz. It can cause both uncontrolled crying or laughing out of proportion to any triggers, or these can occur with no triggers at all sometimes, maybe just thoughts in your head. It may be associated with several different neurological disorders, so you shouldn't ignore it but seek medical attention.

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1 reply
januaryjane | @januaryjane | Mar 31 11:02pm
In reply to @dd2312 "january jane, I have PBA and am on a treatment that is very helpful. It is..." + (show)
@dd2312

january jane,
I have PBA and am on a treatment that is very helpful. It is called Nuedexta. Here is a link about it: Nuedexta.com. And there is a quiz on the website that helps you to determine if you have it: https://www.nuedexta.com/pba-quiz. It can cause both uncontrolled crying or laughing out of proportion to any triggers, or these can occur with no triggers at all sometimes, maybe just thoughts in your head. It may be associated with several different neurological disorders, so you shouldn't ignore it but seek medical attention.

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Thank you!

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 1 7:23am

@januaryjane, Thought I would share this 2019 discussion that hasn't had any new comments but quite a few of the members in the discussion are still active on Connect and may have information or experiences to share.
-- Pseudobulbar affect (PBA): https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pseudobulbar-affect-pba/

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januaryjane | @januaryjane | Apr 3 12:22pm

The episodes I have are more infrequent but I've never had them ever before a few years ago. Is it still considered pba if it is infrequent? I'm just confused about it. I recently went to my eye doctor for an exam because I had an episode of my vision moving back and forth rapidly. My eyes are fine from that end. But she said since it was a brief incident that only happened once I shouldn't worry about it. But I've never experienced anything like that!! I mean I've had eye fatigue and blurriness etc. I'm not trying to self diagnose but wonder if any of this could be MS related. I'm just very cautious of bringing things up because I've been dismissed so much in past and don't want to seem irrational.

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