The other name of laughter epilepsy is gelastic seizures. It is a rare medical condition where the bursts of unexpected laughter are caused by the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This seizure can be revealed as unnatural laughter with the neurological symptoms, and without an external stimulus. It’s not normal laughing; it’s an unjustified and mechanical type that happens out of context. It is caused by a benign growth of the brain. A seizure is like the unexpected electrical activity in your brain. During normal laughter, the body always uses the electrical signals. But in laughter epilepsy, the group of brain cells is dispatched suddenly. In that case, your laughing will not feel happy or natural. These seizures basically start from a small or pea-sized area in your brain called the hypothalamus. 

Symptoms Of Laughter Epilepsy

These seizures are rare, starting from the first year after the child is born. The symptoms of  these seizures are as follows:- 

• The sound of laughter is unnatural and hollow.
• Usually, the episode lasts for less than one minute
• The heart beats too fast during the episode, and the person may look flushed. 
• After the laugh, the person feels tired or experiences other seizures.

How Can Laughter Epilepsy Be Diagnosed By A Psychiatrist?

It is very easy to diagnose seizures by normal snigger. If a doctor detects laughter epilepsy, then they use certain tools to test your brain:- 

MRI scan: It takes a detailed picture of your brain. It helps the doctors to see the growth of the hypothalamus with accuracy. 

EEG: It’s a cap with special wires that helps to record the electrical waves of your brain. It helps the doctor diagnose abnormal electrical bursts. 

Why Is Early Diagnosis Important?

The professionals underline that early diagnosis plays a vital role in the treatment of rare epilepsy. The WHO declares that early diagnosis may improve the quality of life. For better living, enhancement in cognitive growth, and to prevent complications, early diagnosis is very important. 

How To Treat Laughter Epilepsy?

To treat this condition, professionals performed the procedure known as computer-guided stereotactic radio frequency ablation. It is the advanced procedure that entails the demolition of lesions that cause seizures with the help of a small opening of at least one inch.  As per the literature, it is a type of brain surgery with minimal risk rather than the open surgery or traditional one, and with a quick recovery. Doctors confirm that patients can recover without any risk or complications and be discharged within 48 hours or less.

Conclusion

The laughter in this state is not happy laughing. But it’s the result of abnormal activities in the brain. The laughter feels awkward when it’s unnatural out of the context. Gelastic seizures are caused by unexpected laughter, not due to happiness. Take the guidance and consultation from Dr. Anshul Mahajan and Dr. Akshit Mahajan at Manas Hospital. 

FAQ’S

• How can laughter epilepsy be treated?

Laughter epilepsy can be treated with the help of medication or surgery in severe cases, under the supervision of a psychiatrist. 

• Does the person really feel happy during this laughter?

No, the person might be smiling or laughing, but in actuality, they are not feeling happy.