Rhianna Benson
In recent years, awareness surrounding the auto-immune condition MS (Multiple Sclerosis) has sky-rocketed, much to the relief of those that suffer from it.
Only recently, however, have many observers discovered the existence of a rather controversial symptom of the condition, known for potentially getting the sufferer into the trouble through no fault of their own.
According to the NHS, MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including numbness or a tingling feeling in different parts of the body, feeling off balance, and vision problems.
It can be hard to pinpoint where the surge in knowledge, acceptance and accommodation to the causes and symptoms of has come from.
Advert
Whether it be the increase in celebrities lifting the lid on their own experience with the life-altering illness - most recently, US actress Christina Applegate - or the amount of TikTok health 'experts' using their platform to discuss the heartbreaking side effects, more and more people are talking about MS.
What many involved in the discussion may not realise, however, is that the lifelong condition - which can be brought on suddenly at any age - can also prompt one pretty bizarre side affect.
Without poking fun at the often-devastating condition, one of the most unheard-of side effects of MS often sees the patient bursting into fits of laughing, despite not having found anything particularly amusing.
Advert
In fact, the bizarre sensation can emerge so abruptly and to such an extent that they're unable to control themselves.
Known professionally as the pseudobulbar affect, some circumstances could also see patients bursting into crying, alternatively.
As such, this symptom can understandably be awkward for some MS sufferers, who could be branded inappropriate for releasing laughter that is beyond their control.
According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, the patient's laughter in these cases is caused by MS lesions affecting the areas of the brain which control emotions.
Advert
"This type of emotional behaviour is difficult to control voluntarily and can be extremely distressing to those who experience it," experts at the charity explain.
"Although there may be a minor trigger for the laughing or crying, the response is exaggerated and is disproportionate to the apparent trigger."
The healthcare professionals add, however, that sadly, the symptom can be managed but not eradicated.
Advert
"PBA is equally common among men and women and occurs in other chronic, neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)," they continue.
"This type of emotional behaviour is difficult to control voluntarily. It can be extremely distressing as well as embarrassing to those who experience it.
"With more education, people with MS will know to consult their neurologist if they experience any of its symptoms."
UK-based charity Multiple Sclerosis Trust have spent recent years raising awareness of five common early signs of the condition - emphasising that these can vary person-to-person, and the list is not exhaustive.