We’ve all heard laughter is one of the best medication, however for one man, a hearty chuckle became a visit to the ER. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist, just lately shared an enchanting case on the social media platform X (previously Twitter). His affected person, “Mr Shyam” (identify modified), skilled a fainting episode triggered by laughter.
Whereas having fun with a cup of tea and a comedy present, Mr Shyam discovered himself overcome with laughter. Sadly, the laughter turned so intense that he misplaced management of his teacup, after which his physique went limp. He fell from his chair and briefly misplaced consciousness. His frightened daughter observed some involuntary actions in his arms.
Fortunately, he acquired immediate medical consideration. Dr Kumar recognized his situation as laughter-induced syncope, a uncommon however actual phenomenon.
Laughter is one of the best medication, nevertheless, in case of a 53-year-old, laughter resulted in a go to to emergency division
53-year-old Mr Shyam (identify modified) was having fun with a pleasant night along with his household over a cup of tea. They had been watching a preferred comedy present on TV. Mr Shyam… pic.twitter.com/TZJAM45QpC
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) May 29, 2024
In a dialog with indianexpress.com, Dr Ather Pasha, Marketing consultant-Inside Medication, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, agreed that fainting as a result of excessive laughter is extraordinarily uncommon however it’s fairly attainable, due to the situation.
What’s laughter-induced syncope?
It’s prompted as a result of a sudden fluctuation in coronary heart fee and drop in blood strain, which ends up in fainting, defined Dr Pasha. It typically occurs as a response to some form of irritating set off. This extraordinarily uncommon situation might be characterised by the lack of consciousness as a result of extreme laughter.
Vasovagal, cardiac, situational, and neurologic syncope are some forms of syncope, that are much like laughter-induced syncope, he stated.
What are the indicators and signs?
Transient lack of consciousness and short-term fainting are the signs of syncope whereas the indicators which will precede syncope embody tunnel imaginative and prescient, nausea, fast coronary heart fee, sweating and the dearth of steadiness whereas standing, in accordance with Dr Pasha.
People with a household historical past of sudden loss of life, chest ache, or palpitations could also be at larger threat of syncope (Supply: Freepik)
Are some folks extra prone to it than others?
Analysis on particular threat elements related to laughter-induced syncope is restricted. Nevertheless, it’s steered, Dr Pasha stated, that people with a household historical past of sudden loss of life, chest ache, or palpitations could also be at larger threat of syncope and subsequently doubtlessly at a higher risk of laughter-induced syncope. This dysfunction is handled by prevention and affected person consciousness of the issue.
Can it’s handled or solely managed?
There is no such thing as a particular remedy for laughter-induced syncope. Nevertheless, administration methods give attention to avoiding triggers, similar to intense laughter, that might result in syncope episodes. This will contain life-style modifications, similar to avoiding conditions or actions that provoke laughter, notably if episodes of syncope have occurred up to now.