Pathological Laughter Associated With Cerebral Lupus: A Case Report
- Author:
Jasraj Singh
;
Norhashim Ahmad
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
SLE, Pathological Laughter, Pseudobulbar Affect, Emotion, Topiramate
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2017;18(1):107-113
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Pathological laughter, pseudobulbar affect or a myriad of its other
synonyms, is a condition common secondary to neurological injury, presenting
with uncontrolled laughing or crying, appearing to be mood-incongruent and
significantly debilitating. The objective of this case report is to highlight a rare
case of pathological laughter associated with Cerebral Lupus. Methods: We
report a case of a 27-year-old lady presenting with signs and symptoms of stroke
with dysarthria progressing to aphasia and then pathological laughter, with an
underlying poorly controlled Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, manifesting as
Cerebral Lupus. Results: An improvement in affect congruency followed by
decreased frequency of outbreaks among bouts of pathological laughter.
Conclusion: The combination of Escitalopram and Topiramate is effective in the
symptomatic treatment of Pathological Laughter. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol. 18 (1): January – June 2017: XX XX.
- Full text:P020170620410692474092.pdf
