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Pathological laughter caused by frontal glioblastoma: case report
Satoshi Tsutsumi1, Yukimasa Yasumoto, Masanori Ito
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan. shotaro@juntendo-urayasu.jp
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|July 26, 2008
Summary
A frontal lobe tumor caused pathological laughter and hemiparesis in a patient. Surgical removal of the glioblastoma multiforme led to complete resolution of symptoms, demonstrating a potential cure.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor.
- Frontal lobe tumors can present with varied neurological and behavioral symptoms.
- Pathological laughter is a rare neurological symptom, often associated with specific brain lesions.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old female presented with pathological laughter and left hemiparesis.
- Cerebral MRI revealed a right frontal lobe ring-enhanced mass with edema.
- Functional MRI localized the tumor to the prefrontal and premotor cortex.
Findings:
- Histological diagnosis confirmed glioblastoma multiforme.
- Total tumor resection was performed.
- Post-operative resolution of pathological laughter and hemiparesis occurred within 2 weeks.
Implications:
- Invasive frontal lobe tumors, particularly GBM, can manifest as pathological laughter and hemiparesis.
- Surgical resection offers a potential curative treatment for such cases.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in patients with frontal lobe tumors causing neurological deficits.
