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Safari T, Dehbozorgi M, Laurent B. Pseudobulbar Affect in an Elderly Female With Small Vessel Ischemic Disease and Alcohol Abuse Disorder: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e60472. [PMID: 38764710 PMCID: PMC11099384 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, inappropriate, and involuntary outbursts of emotion, primarily crying and laughter, which are dissociated from the individual's emotional experience. The precise underlying cause of PBA remains unknown; however, existing evidence suggests the involvement of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmission within the corticopontine-cerebellar pathways responsible for regulating the motor expression of emotions. Additionally, PBA has been observed to co-occur with other neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the possibility of a PBA diagnosis in patients with underlying neurological damage and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tannaz Safari
- Neurology, American University of Antigua, St. John's, ATG
- Neurology, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
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Nwabueze C, Azam M, Kekere V, Odenigbo N, Banu F, Fouron P. Emotional Incontinence: A Case Report of Pseudobulbar Affect in the Setting of Alcohol Use Disorder. Cureus 2023; 15:e38976. [PMID: 37313061 PMCID: PMC10259877 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) manifests as a disconnect between emotional feelings and emotional expressions. The impact of pseudobulbar affect on social, occupational, and interpersonal functioning is substantial. It results in poor quality of social interactions and poor overall quality of life. Instances of pseudobulbar affect with no underlying neuropsychiatric disorders are rarely reported in the literature. Although alcohol use has been associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), alcohol as a direct cause of pseudobulbar palsy has rarely been reported. Our case presents a unique situation with no known underlying primary neurologic disorder but evidence from clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests indicative of severe alcohol use disorder. This case represents the rare instances where the disease etiology is unusual and reminds the health care provider to consider the role of alcohol in the pathophysiology of pseudobulbar affect. More research is needed to understand the role of alcohol in the etiology of pseudobulbar affect in the absence of any known underlying neuropsychiatric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Azam
- Department of Psychiatry, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Victor Kekere
- Department of Psychiatry, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Nkolika Odenigbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Fahima Banu
- Department of Psychiatry, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Patrice Fouron
- Department of Psychiatry, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
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Trojsi F, Di Nardo F, D’Alvano G, Caiazzo G, Passaniti C, Mangione A, Sharbafshaaer M, Russo A, Silvestro M, Siciliano M, Cirillo M, Tedeschi G, Esposito F. Resting state fMRI analysis of pseudobulbar affect in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): motor dysfunction of emotional expression. Brain Imaging Behav 2023; 17:77-89. [PMID: 36370302 PMCID: PMC9922228 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00744-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA), referring to exaggerated or inappropriate episodes of laughing and/or crying without an apparent motivating stimulus, has been mainly attributed to bilateral degeneration of corticobulbar tracts. We aimed at exploring brain functional connectivity (FC) correlates of PBA in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common motor neuron disease, frequently associated with PBA. Resting state functional MRI (RS-fMRI) independent component (ICA) and seed-based analyses and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) whole-brain analysis were performed on 27 ALS patients (13 with PBA; 14 without PBA) and 26 healthy controls (HC), for investigating functional and structural abnormalities in ALS patients compared to HC and in patients with PBA compared to patients without PBA. Between-patient analysis revealed different FC patterns, especially regarding decreased FC in several areas of cognitive (default mode, frontoparietal, salience) and sensory-motor networks in patients with PBA compared to those without PBA. However, no significant differences were found in gray matter atrophy. Seed-based analysis showed increased FC between middle cerebellar peduncles and posterior cingulate cortex and decreased FC between middle cerebellar peduncles and left middle frontal gyrus in patients with PBA compared to patients without PBA. Our findings suggest that some alterations of fronto-tempo-parietal-cerebellar circuits could be related to PBA in ALS. In particular, the abnormal FC between cerebellum and posterior cingulate cortex and left middle frontal gyrus in patients with PBA compared to patients without PBA highlights a crucial role of the cerebellum in regulating emotion expression in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Trojsi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Federica Di Nardo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia D’Alvano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Caiazzo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Passaniti
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Mangione
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Minoo Sharbafshaaer
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Silvestro
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mattia Siciliano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Cirillo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Tedeschi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Esposito
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, MRI Research Center, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, P.Zza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Alshaqi O, Moodie T, Alchaki A. Involuntary crying episodes with Susac's syndrome-a rare presentation of a rare disease: a case report. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:155. [PMID: 35468771 PMCID: PMC9036746 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02639-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this case, we reported the pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in a patient with Susac's syndrome-a rare condition that was caused by a rare syndrome. Previous case reports of Susac syndrome described psychiatric symptoms such as emotional disturbances or personality changes. Only a few case reports have reported psychiatric disorders in patients with Susac's syndrome. There were no reported cases of Susac syndrome with PBA as an initial presentation. CASE PRESENTATION Our patient was 56 years old and presented with involuntary crying, left-sided headache, left-sided hearing loss, and tinnitus. Brain MRI showed numerous areas of restricted diffusion and enhancement involving the corpus callosum, bilateral hemispheres, and brainstem. Ophthalmological evaluation showed bilateral branch retinal artery occlusion. She was diagnosed with Susac's syndrome and PBA. She was treated with cyclophosphamide and dextromethorphan hydrobromide/quinidine sulfate with excellent recovery. This is a 2-year clinical course. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Recognition of the clinical presentation of Susac's syndrome and PBA with early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing further disability and impact on patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Alshaqi
- Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - T Moodie
- University of South Dakota, Vermillion, USA
| | - A Alchaki
- University of South Dakota, Vermillion, USA.
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Kazi SE, Anwar A. Pseudobulbar Affect Presenting as Aggressive Behavior. Cureus 2022; 14:e21978. [PMID: 35282555 PMCID: PMC8906197 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is an affective disorder of emotional expression characterized by frequent uncontrollable outbursts of laughing or crying. It is usually associated with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other neurological conditions. This disorder can present a challenge to clinicians to distinguish this from mood disorders or to diagnose this disorder in the context of underlying mood disorders. In addition, the delay in the diagnosis can impact patients' quality of life. We describe a 48-year-old man who presented with frequent episodes of sudden, frequent, uncontrollable laughing two years after his recurrent stroke. The patient initially had his first stroke about three years ago and had a recurrent stroke eight months after his first stroke. A few days after getting discharged after his second stroke, the patient was admitted to the psychiatric unit after his family members reported aggressive behavior. The patient also reported symptoms of depression and was discharged on escitalopram for mood and divalproex for his aggressive behavior. Unfortunately, the patient was not compliant with these medications with no resolution of his symptoms. The patient was then treated with dextromethorphan-quinidine, escitalopram, and divalproex, resulting in significant improvement in his mood and aggressive behavior with a resolution of uncontrollable laughing spells. Clinicians are encouraged to inquire about symptoms of pseudobulbar affect in the context of stroke or other neurological disorders. Appropriate management of this condition can help improve patients' symptoms and positively affect their wellbeing.
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Tu S, Huang M, Caga J, Mahoney CJ, Kiernan MC. Brainstem Correlates of Pathological Laughter and Crying Frequency in ALS. Front Neurol 2021; 12:704059. [PMID: 34305804 PMCID: PMC8296641 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.704059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudobulbar affect is a disorder of emotional expression commonly observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), presenting as episodes of involuntary laughter, or crying. The objective of the current study was to determine the association between frequency of pathological laughter and crying (PLC) episodes with clinical features, cognitive impairment, and brainstem pathology. Thirty-five sporadic ALS patients underwent neuropsychological assessment, with a subset also undergoing brain imaging. The Center for Neurological Study Lability Scale (CNS-LS) was used to screen for presence and severity of pseudobulbar affect (CNS-LS ≥ 13) and frequency of PLC episodes. Presence of pseudobulbar affect was significantly higher in bulbar onset ALS (p = 0.02). Frequency of PLC episodes was differentially associated with cognitive performance and brainstem integrity. Notably pathological laughter frequency, but not crying, showed a significant positive association with executive dysfunction on the Trail Making Test B-A (R2 = 0.14, p = 0.04). Similarly, only pathological laughter frequency demonstrated a significant negative correlation with gray matter volume of the brainstem (R2 = 0.46, p < 0.01), and mean fractional anisotropy of the superior cerebellar peduncles (left: R2 = 0.44, p < 0.01; right: R2 = 0.44, p < 0.01). Hierarchical regression indicated brainstem imaging in combination with site of symptom onset explained 73% of the variance in pathological laughter frequency in ALS. The current findings suggest emotional lability is underpinned by degeneration across distinct neural circuits, with brainstem integrity critical in the emergence of pathological laughter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Tu
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mengjie Huang
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jashelle Caga
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Colin J Mahoney
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Memon W, Rose EK, Akram A, Simba B. A Unique Case of Valacyclovir Toxicity and Pseudobulbar Affect in a Patient On Peritoneal Dialysis. Cureus 2021; 13:e13494. [PMID: 33777579 PMCID: PMC7990347 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a few cases of valacyclovir-associated neurotoxicity (VAN) reported. This case report documents a case of a 55-year-old male presenting with emotional lability or pseudobulbar affect as the predominant or sole manifestation of VAN. A failure to adjust valacyclovir's dose for herpes simplex infection in the setting of dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) preceded VAN in this patient. The patient presented with involuntary and uncontrollable outbursts of emotion. Computerized tomography (CT) scan identified no underlying cause. A complete neurological examination with cognitive assessment was performed, with no abnormalities. He benefited from the use of aggressive peritoneal dialysis (PD) that was employed to enhance valacyclovir's clearance in this case of intractable VAN. On discharge, the patient was back to baseline mental function. Traumatic brain injury, neoplasm, vascular lesions, metabolic abnormality, neurological disease, herpetic encephalitis, and disorders of mood were ruled out. This led to the hypothesis of encephalopathy due to valacyclovir intoxication. Given that the clinical manifestations were related to ESRD, a dose-adjustment of valacyclovir is imperative in the setting of ESRD to prevent VAN. Our case presents important clinical variations. Firstly, our patient demonstrates that VAN may present with no focal neurological impairment, but pseudobulbar affect. Secondly, aggressive PD was useful in this case for the treatment of VAN as opposed to hemodialysis. We believe that it cleared valacyclovir resulting in the resolution of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqas Memon
- Internal Medicine/Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Emily K Rose
- Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| | - Ayesha Akram
- Internal Medicine, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, PAK.,Internal Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, PAK
| | - Brian Simba
- Internal Medicine/Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
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Goldin DS. Pseudobulbar Affect: An Overview. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2020; 58:19-24. [PMID: 32609863 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20200624-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a disorder that develops in the context of a brain injury or underlying neurological dysfunction. It is characterized as an affective disorder of emotional expression. PBA manifests as frequent uncontrollable outbursts of laughing or crying, incongruent with the individual's internal emotional state. It can be challenging for clinicians to differentiate PBA from mood disorders, contributing to its high rate of misdiagnosis. This lack of recognition leads to ineffective and insufficient treatment, impacting patients' quality of life. The current article provides an overview of PBA, including its history, prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, clinical implications, and treatment. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(9), 19-24.].
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Fralick M, Sacks CA, Kesselheim AS. Assessment of Use of Combined Dextromethorphan and Quinidine in Patients With Dementia or Parkinson Disease After US Food and Drug Administration Approval for Pseudobulbar Affect. JAMA Intern Med 2019; 179:224-230. [PMID: 30615021 PMCID: PMC6439654 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.6112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a combination of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect after studies in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication, however, may be commonly prescribed in patients with dementia and/or Parkinson disease (PD). OBJECTIVE To investigate the prescribing patterns of dextromethorphan-quinidine, including trends in associated costs. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study of patients prescribed dextromethorphan-quinidine used data from 2 commercial insurance databases, Optum Clinformatics Data Mart and Truven Health MarketScan. The Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program data set was used to evaluate numbers of prescriptions and total reported spending by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Patients were included if they were prescribed dextromethorphan-quinidine from October 29, 2010, when the drug was approved, through March 1, 2017, for Optum and December 31, 2015, for Truven. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2017, through August 1, 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The proportion of patients prescribed dextromethorphan-quinidine with a diagnosis of MS, ALS, or dementia and/or PD, as well as the number of patients with a history of heart failure (a contraindication for the drug). RESULTS In the commercial health care databases, 12 858 patients filled a prescription for dextromethorphan-quinidine during the study period. Mean (SD) age was 66.0 (18.5) years, 66.7% were women, and 13.3% had a history of heart failure. Combining results from both databases, few patients had a diagnosis of MS (8.4%) or ALS (6.8%); most (57.0%) had a diagnosis of dementia and/or PD. In the Medicare Part D database, the number of patients prescribed dextromethorphan-quinidine increased 15.3-fold, from 3296 in 2011 to 50 402 in 2016. Reported spending by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on this medication increased from $3.9 million in 2011 to $200.4 million in 2016. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Despite approval by the FDA for pseudobulbar affect based on studies of patients with ALS or MS, dextromethorphan-quinidine appears to be primarily prescribed for patients with dementia and/or PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fralick
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Eliot Phillipson Clinician Scientist Training Program, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chana A Sacks
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aaron S Kesselheim
- Program On Regulation, Therapeutics, And Law (PORTAL), Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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