查看文章

Pathological crying and laughing (PCL) is one of the most distressing neurological symptoms, which is prevalent in a range of conditions from multiple sclerosis to ALS. The lack of unified nomenclature, diagnostic criteria and the multitude of diagnostic instruments complicate the systematic appraisal of research efforts (1, 2). Despite its considerable quality of life implications, PCL often remains under-recognized and undertreated(3, 4). Historical descriptions are available from the 19th century, but the precise mechanisms underpinning PCL are far from fully elucidated. Advanced neuroimaging techniques and well-characterized ALS cohorts offer a unique opportunity to clarify the contribution of specific neural circuits to the aetiology of PCL.