laughing makes me faint

[mgh321]

Sounds weird, but often when I laugh I can feel myself losing consciousness, and have to stop myself from laughing before I black out. It's almost as if there's sudden rush of blood to my head. My blood pressure is in normal range. I've put on quite a bit of weight recently and wonder if that has something to do with it. I also get ringing in my ears all the time - have had that for years. Getting a bit worried about the laughing thing though. Any thoughts?

[Fiona509]

Mgh321, I have exactly the same symptom as you.    When laughing, I sometimes feel so faint as to near unconsciousness.    I, like you, have to force myself to cut short the laugh so to avoid going under.    I just saw your old posting today.    Like you, I also have been putting on a little weight lately.    Were you ever able to find out what causes this?  

[pullipuli]

I get a pain in the back of my head if I laugh for some time. It reduces when I stop laughing, it will reach unbearable if I won’t stop.

[bedoubleyou]

There are documented cases of Laugh Syncope which is what you seem to be describing. It's been associated with vascular disease and its risk factors.  Laughing is similar to a valsalva maneuver where thoracic pressure is increased.  Syncope has been known to be precipitated by coughing, sneezing, or even blowing horns in some people.

[willubmyknight]

The reason for the mention of Narcolepsy is because one of the main "symptoms' or "effects" of Narcolepsy is called Cataplexy - which has a definition of: a sudden muscular weakness brought on by strong emotions, is a medical condition which may also affect narcoleptics. Often manifesting as muscular weaknesses ranging from a barely perceptible slackening of the facial muscles to the dropping of the jaw or head, weakness at the knees, or a total collapse. Usually only speech is slurred, vision is impaired (double vision, inability to focus), but hearing and awareness remain normal.

If your issues ONLY happen while LAUGHING, then, chances are it's something totally different, but if it happens EVERY time you have a strong emotion (mad, happy, excited, etc) then you may have Cataplexy.

That was a GREAT call by Scarlet37 - Narcolepsy & Cataplexy are issues that are always passed over for something else.

[kirchbabe]

I just came across these postings.  I've had the :"fainting while laughing" problem for some years until last night I finally completely lost consciousness for the first time.  Until now, it's only been like a twilight consciousness or "seeing stars".  I did some research on the web and it appears it could be due to what they call vegal syncope.  It has to do with the vegas nerve and not enough blood flow to the brain at the time of the laughing.  In any case, it could also be the beginning of some heart issues so I'm going to be seeing a doctor.

Just thought I would pass this info on.  Oh, and btw, I did see a doctor about 18 mos ago and told him about these symptoms.  He looked at me and smirked and told me not to worry about it and to stop laughing so hard.  Needless to say, you need to find a doctor who will find your symptoms credible, OR, bring some backup information from the web with you.

[drhog]

This is due to either your laughing producing stimulation of the carotid sinus in your neck, or a left ventricular arrythmia. You should see your doctor for a check-up.