Baahubali actor Anushka Shetty has opened up about a rare condition she suffers from, known as pseudobulbar affect (PBA). In an old video interview, Anushka Shetty shared that this condition causes her to experience uncontrollable episodes of laughter that can last up to 20 minutes. “I have a laughing disease. You might wonder, ‘Is laughing a problem?’ For me, it is. If I start laughing, I can’t stop for 15 to 20 minutes. While watching or shooting comedy scenes, I literally roll on the floor laughing, and the shoot has been halted many times,” Anushka Shetty said, as reported by Indiaglitz.
It is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden and intense episodes of laughter or crying that are disproportionate to the situation. The emotional responses are often out of proportion to the triggering event, which can lead to embarrassment for the affected person.
Several neurological disorders can cause PBA, including motor neuron disease (MND)/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), brain stroke, brain tumors, and traumatic brain injuries. In some cases, there is no obvious underlying brain or neurological disease, and the condition is thought to be related to an imbalance in neurotransmitters. This imbalance results in dysfunction in brain neural pathways, such as cerebro-ponto-cerebellar pathways.
Diagnosing PBA can be challenging because its symptoms can overlap with those of other emotional or psychiatric disorders.
Treatment for PBA includes medication and support strategies to help manage the symptoms. Deep, relaxed, and slow breathing can help during laughing episodes, as can diverting the mind to another topic. Relaxing the muscles around the shoulder, neck, and chest wall is also recommended. There are medications approved specifically for treating PBA. Consulting a doctor for specific treatment advice is crucial.
In addition to medication, managing PBA involves educating patients and their families to enhance understanding and develop effective coping strategies. Counseling and support groups can provide both practical guidance and emotional assistance.
Disclaimer: Always consult a physician before following any medical advice or taking any medication. Don't take any medication until prescribed by your doctor thyself.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)