The seizures are caused by a sudden burst of electricity in the brain, and this makes people laugh uncontrollably for no apparent reason. Because gelastic epilepsy is rare (less than one or two in 1000 children with epilepsy have it) it is not always easy to diagnose.
Gelastic seizures are seen in less than 1% of all epilepsies [6], and they are mainly associated with hypothalamic hamartomas in children. Usually, these seizures begin during infancy, even in the neonatal period, with a progressive course which may include other focal or generalized seizures.
This is because gelastic seizures are hard to control. Surgery is the most likely treatment that will control the seizures. The surgery removes the hamartoma. If surgery is successful, it may completely control your child's seizures, and also stop any learning and behaviour problems.
Gelastic seizures (GS) are a rare form of epilepsy characterized by inappropriate, uncontrolled laughter. They are highly associated with abnormal cognitive development and behavioral problems in patients.
Children with gelastic seizures and an HH typically have normal learning and communication skills before the onset of their seizures. One-third of children with an HH will go on to have learning disabilities, developmental delays, speech impairment, or below-average intelligence and communication skills.
"If a child starts repeatedly laughing (for short durations and for no obvious reasons), it could be an early sign of epilepsy- gelastic epilepsy due to hypothalamic hamartoma. Prompt diagnosis with MRI scan and surgery can result in excellent outcome," suggested Dr Kumar.
Aura (Late Warning Signs)
People with partial seizures may experience the following signs seconds or minutes before the actual seizure: Unusual smells, tastes, sounds, or sensations. Nausea. A Déjà vu feeling (you feel like you are experiencing something that has occurred before)
Aura: An aura or warning is the first symptom of a seizure and is considered part of the seizure. Often the aura is an indescribable feeling. Other times it's easy to recognize and may be a change in feeling, sensation, thought, or behavior that is similar each time a seizure occurs.
Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a condition that's characterized by episodes of sudden uncontrollable and inappropriate laughing or crying.
Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA)
The PBA is a condition in which uncontrollable laughter or crying occurs. The laughter and crying often happen when there are no external stimuli to cause the laughing or crying. This condition usually occurs as a result of psychiatric or medical disorders.
Pure gelastic seizures can occur in adults although gelastic plus type seizures more often occur.
Gelastic seizures is the term used to describe focal or partial seizures with bouts of uncontrolled laughing or giggling. They are often called laughing seizures. The person may look like they are smiling or smirking.
The person will usually emit a short, loud cry as the muscles in the chest contract and the air rushes between the vocal cods, making a sound. This cry does not indicate pain.
Definition. A type of focal automatism seizure characterized by the production of single or repetitive words, phrases, or brief sentences at onset and during which awareness is fully retained throughout. [ from HPO]
Of course, autistic individuals laugh when they are happy, or if they find something funny. However, they often laugh to release fear, tension and anxiety. What is very difficult for their parents to comprehend (and accept) is that they might laugh or giggle non-stop when someone is crying.
Cataplexy delineates a brief episode of generalized loss of muscle tone without alteration in consciousness. When cataplexy is triggered by laughter, the term “gelastic” is utilized. Gelastic cataplexy and vertical supranuclear gaze palsy (VSGP) are classical features of Niemann Pick type C (NPC) disease.
We screened video-EEG telemetry reports for the occurrence of the term "gelastic" seizures, and assessed the semiology, EEG features, and duration of those seizures. Gelastic seizures were identified in 19 (0.8%) of 2,446 admissions.
No. Not all autistic children will develop seizures. In fact, only a minority will. Similarly, not all children with epilepsy will have autism.
Seizure-related behaviours
These changes may include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, irritability, or verbal or physical aggression and may occur minutes to days before or after a seizure. During this period, certain triggers may further irritate your child and increase their frustration or aggression.