There is a name for what @A MyMSTeam Member stated, and of course it is escaping me. Someone will chime in. Also, depression often accompanies MS.
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A MyMSTea...
May 20 (edited)
Oh I certainly understand. At times I go though crying bouts that seem to come out of nowhere. I have been embarrassed at times. Then too, I go through the laughing for no particular reason. I do kind of try to stay to myself when this is happening but. sometimes onlookers can not be avoided. I just learned to understand myself in these circumstances. It passes. At first I explained to people, but mostly now I have just learned to accept what is happening. Thank goodness. lol
May 20
You are absolutely not alone in this — so many people with MS experience unexpected crying, sometimes with no clear reason at all. It can feel confusing and even scary, but it's actually a recognized MS symptom.
There's a condition called pseudobulbar affect (PBA) that can cause uncontrollable crying (or laughing) that Show Full Answer
You are absolutely not alone in this — so many people with MS experience unexpected crying, sometimes with no clear reason at all. It can feel confusing and even scary, but it's actually a recognized MS symptom.
There's a condition called pseudobulbar affect (PBA) that can cause uncontrollable crying (or laughing) that doesn't match how you're actually feeling. It happens because MS lesions can affect the parts of the brain that control emotions. One 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." So yes — others truly get it.
A few things worth knowing:
- PBA episodes are usually brief but feel overwhelming
- Depression is also common with MS and can cause ongoing sadness — worth distinguishing from PBA with your doctor
- Some MS medications like interferon beta-1a can also trigger mood changes as a side effect
- Stress and grief around living with MS can bring on emotional waves too The good news is there are treatments available. A medication called Nuedexta is FDA-approved specifically for PBA, and some people find other medications helpful too.
Definitely bring this up with your neurologist — they can help figure out what's driving the tears and find something that helps. You deserve relief from this. 💙
May 20
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