Parents probably do not expect that sometimes children’s unexpected laughter can be a sign of abnormality. Typically, children's laughter is an emotional expression when they feel happy; however, if children’s laughter is not from happiness or not related to emotion or any legitimate reason, it may be a sign of seizures. Apart from laughing seizures to keep an eye on, there are still other diseases that need to be taken care of. For example, during this winter, parents must be careful of 6 common diseases that come with cold wind. Such seasonal diseases require parents’ awareness, as well.
Back to laughing seizures or Gelastic seizure, in medical terms, it is a type of seizure in which children do not have any visible spasms or spasms, but it is a symptom in which children suddenly laugh up for no reason. Children may laugh intermittently about 30 to 45 seconds at a time followed by spasms, twitching, or absent-mindedness. In older children, some unusual signs may be indicated, such as a strange feeling preceding a laughing seizure. This symptom is rare as it is found in one person out of 200,000 people only, and it occurs among newborn babies to children aged under 20 years old.
Gelastic seizure is caused by brain abnormality in the hypothalamus which looks like a tumor called hypothalamic harmatoma. It is an abnormality originated since childbirth. While its causes are still unknown, usual symptoms are:
- laughing seizures;
- abnormally slow development; and
- premature adolescence
How do we know if children are at risk for laughing seizure tumors?
- Observation of abnormal symptoms of the baby from parents; if not sure, parents may record a video to consult a doctor.
- Check EEG if there is a seizure or not
- Take MRI or brain magnetic resonance examination to find out if there is an abnormal tumor
Treatment of laughing seizures caused by hypothalamic harmatoma
- Control seizures with medication, which sometimes may be difficult. If so, a combination of different medications may be required.
- Remove the tumor to stop seizures, but it can be difficult to do because it is a surgery on the deep part of the brain.
- Treatment of premature adolescence with hormone injections
Because this disease is rare and causes are still unknown, so it cannot be prevented, but treatment is possible. Parents do not have to worry too much as they can closely observe their little ones, and, if abnormality is found, they should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
A big thank to Piyarat Ann Lertbannaphong, M.D., for useful information.
Crated At 03/01/2023
