Document Detail


Laughter-Induced Syncope.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22314146     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Reported cases of syncope caused directly by laughter are rare. The common scenario described in a few reports involved episodes of fortuitous laughter, sometimes followed by a short prodrome of lightheadedness, facial flushing, and dizziness, followed by an episode of definite syncope. There were no seizure-like movements, automatisms, or bladder or bowel incontinence. After the syncopal episodes that were seconds in length, the patients regained consciousness, and at that point were fully-oriented. These episodes could recur in a similar situation with such laughter. Many of these patients subsequently underwent full syncope workups, without elucidating a primary cardiac or neurologic cause. In this review of laughter-induced syncope, we describe a patient of ours who fit these descriptions. This phenomenon is likely a subtype of benign Valsalva-related syncope, with autonomic reflex arcs coming into play that ultimately result in global cerebral hypoperfusion. Besides the Valsalva produced by a great fit of laughter, laughter itself has its own neuroendocrine and vasculature effects that may play a role.
Authors:
Alexander J Kim; William H Frishman
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Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2012-2-6
Journal Detail:
Title:  Cardiology in review     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1538-4683     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2012 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-2-8     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9304686     Medline TA:  Cardiol Rev     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
*Dept. of Medicine, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY.
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