Fits of uncontrollable laughter

December 30, 2001

Hi Everyone,

After participating in many lists since our daughter arrived, I have to say

this one is the best. I'm particularly touched by the number of medical

professionals offering insight. It's so helpful (not to mention

refreshing:-)

In short, our oldest daughter, is six years old tomorrow. Jul joined

our family through adoption when she was 2 years 10 months. I think I

mentioned in my intro that she has congenital bilaterial microtia resulting

in a severe hearing loss.

She's been evaluated *extensively* over the last 3 years(developmental ped,

psychologists, neurologist, SLP, OT, PT, etc).

Anyhow, Jul is non-verbal with significant self-stimming behaviors and a

significant congnitive delay as well. Her dx is severe apraxia and global

aphasia (with hearing loss of course). In addition to SuperNuThera, she's

also on Prozac -- primarily to improve her severe wakefullness and overall

attention. It's helped tremendously with virtually no side effects.

(Interestingly, we did not see any difference between 2ml per day and 5ml

per day -- she's 37lbs and been on Prozac almost a year).

Ok, finally to my question .... About 6 weeks ago, started having

these uncontrollable fits of laughter and " sillyness " . It starts between

about 6-8pm and lasts about 1 hour or perhaps a bit more. From talking with

her teachers, it also seem to occur at school, though we've never seen it

during the day at home. It's almost nightly now. She's very alert during

these bouts, making good eye contact and communicating in very silly ways.

We've come to the conclusion that she simply cannot control her laughter and

giggling! It's really strange but she often does what we call " fake

coughing " during these periods. During these bouts, she's probably as alert

as we ever see her -- she's just really *with us* but it's so strange.

If she displayed significant sadness, I might start thinking

manic-depression or bi-polar but she's overall a happy child (just a bit

more happy at times). Does this sound at all familiar to anyone? Any and

all input is greatly appreciated!

Dana in Michigan

rodgers@...

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