FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN
/No Laughing Matter/
Editorial List
(Page 1 of 2)
A study recently released from the Brain Injury
Association of America indicates that approximately
80 percent of brain injury patient respondents
experience symptoms of PBA. The symptoms can
compromise a person’s ability to work and often lead
to social isolation.
What is PBA you ask?
Pseudobulbar affect or PBA is a neurological
condition that affects people with an existing
neurological condition, like traumatic brain injury
(TBI), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
multiple sclerosis (MS), Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS),
or stroke. People with PBA have sudden outbursts of
involuntary emotional displays that they cannot
control.
Five clues that your loved one has pseudobulbar
affect (PBA), not depression:
- He or she bursts out crying or
laughing for no apparent reason.
- He or she cries or laughs at inappropriate
times.
- He or she experiences outbursts of emotion
that are exaggerated or inappropriate for the
situation.
- He or she can’t control their tears or
laughter, even when they try to.
- He or she may isolate themselves out
of fear of having an episode in public.
pbainfo.org
