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Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)

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Condition Basics

What is pseudobulbar affect (PBA)?

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a problem in the brain that causes you to laugh or cry for no reason. The sudden fits of tears or laughter usually have nothing to do with what you're feeling. And you can't control them. Living with PBA can be very stressful.

What causes it?

Brain damage from a stroke, brain tumor, or head trauma can lead to PBA. PBA can also happen along with such conditions as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, and dementia.

Normally, the "feel" and "express" parts of your brain work together. But with PBA, the expressive part of your brain can trigger behavior on its own. Laughing or crying can happen at any time, no matter what you're feeling.

What are the symptoms?

When you have PBA, you may suddenly cry or laugh for no reason and may have trouble controlling how long or intensely you cry or laugh. You may also feel none of the usual relief after crying or laughing.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose PBA based on your symptoms and behavior, along with looking at your past health. PBA is sometimes mistaken for depression or bipolar disorder.

How is pseudobulbar affect (PBA) treated?

PBA is treated with medicines that affect certain brain chemicals. These include antidepressant medicine and dextromethorphan-quinidine.

Credits

Current as of: December 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: December 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: December 20, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.