Are you experiencing episodes of uncontrollable crying with MS?
Uncontrollable crying can be a symptom of pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a neurological condition that affects about 1 in 10 to up to 50 percent of people with MS. PBA causes emotional responses that don't match the situation or your actual feelings.
With PBA Show Full Answer
Are you experiencing episodes of uncontrollable crying with MS?
Uncontrollable crying can be a symptom of pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a neurological condition that affects about 1 in 10 to up to 50 percent of people with MS. PBA causes emotional responses that don't match the situation or your actual feelings.
With PBA, crying episodes typically:
* Happen without a clear trigger or reason
* Last several minutes or longer
* Feel out of your control
* Don't reflect how you're actually feeling inside
* May feel embarrassing or uncomfortable
PBA develops when MS lesions damage parts of the brain that help control emotions. A MyMSTeam member shared: "I slept for another 16 hours straight and woke up in tears. The tears won't stop, and there is no real reason for them."
It's important to talk with your doctor to determine if this is PBA or something else, like depression or stress related to living with MS. Your healthcare team can use questionnaires to diagnose PBA.
The FDA has approved Nuedexta specifically for treating PBA, which can significantly reduce symptoms within four to five weeks. Some members have also found relief with antidepressants like Cymbalta. During an episode, taking deep breaths and relaxing your facial muscles may help.
January 8
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