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Fou rire prodromique heralding a left internal carotid artery occlusion
C Carel1, J F Albucher, C Manelfe
1INSERM U455, hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France.
Background:
Four rire prodromique, described as pathological laughter preceding the onset of an apoplectic attack, is a rare phenomenon.
Case Description:
A 61-year-old man manifested pathological laughter before a sudden right hemiplegia. MRI showed a left lenticular and caudate nucleus infarct with involvement of the external capsule and prerolandic area. MRA revealed a left internal carotid and middle cerebral artery occlusion.
Conclusions:
The clinicoanatomic correlates of this phenomenon are discussed.
Insights
Pathological laughter, or four rire prodromique, can precede a stroke. This case highlights the brain regions and arterial occlusions associated with this rare neurological symptom.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Stroke Medicine
Background:
- Four rire prodromique is a rare neurological symptom characterized by pathological laughter preceding a stroke.
- Understanding the underlying pathophysiology is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male presented with pathological laughter.
- This was followed by the sudden onset of right-sided hemiplegia.
Findings:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a left lenticular and caudate nucleus infarct.
- The infarct involved the external capsule and prerolandic area.
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) demonstrated left internal carotid and middle cerebral artery occlusion.
Implications:
- This case provides clinicoanatomic correlates for pathological laughter preceding stroke.
- It underscores the importance of neuroimaging and vascular assessment in patients presenting with such prodromal symptoms.
- Further research into the neural circuitry of laughter and its relation to cerebrovascular events is warranted.