Real Story:
Sequena
Sequena learned about Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) for
the first time after months of uncontrollable crying that
started after she had a stroke.
Sequena is a real patient living with PBA. Image reflects patient’s health status at the time the image was captured.
After my stroke, I started experiencing uncontrollable crying episodes. For months, the episodes were happening frequently, even when I wasn’t sad. I could be just sitting and watching a movie when suddenly a waterfall of tears and sobbing would hit. I didn’t understand why.
Sequena is a real patient living with PBA. Image reflects patient’s health status at the time the image was captured.
But then I saw a commercial about PBA on TV and all I could think was, “That’s what’s happening to me!” It described what I was going through so well that I recorded it to show to my family. All of them had the same reaction I had: “Oh my God! It’s just like you!” It was a huge turning point for me, and I decided to talk with my psychiatrist about my symptoms.
For a while, my healthcare team thought the episodes were caused by depression, but after seeing that commercial, I filled out a symptom checklist online and my psychiatrist gave me a symptom assessment that helps screen for PBA. After his exam and evaluation, he diagnosed me with PBA.
Sequena is a real patient living with PBA. Image reflects patient’s health status at the time the image was captured.
I’m so grateful that he realized why the various antidepressants he and my other doctors had prescribed to decrease my symptoms hadn’t worked. It wasn’t because we hadn’t found the right antidepressant. It was because I wasn’t depressed. I had PBA as a result of my stroke.
Jill is a real patient living with PBA. Image reflects patient’s health status at the time the image was captured.
Next Up: Talking to a Doctor
Jill had been living with uncontrollable crying and laughing episodes for years until a new doctor started asking important questions about her medical history.
Ready To Talk? A PBA Talk Peer Mentor can help.
The PBA Talk Mentor Program gives you the opportunity to talk with someone who is also living with PBA and may know what you’re going through. Over a phone or video call, your PBA Talk Mentor can discuss questions you may have about PBA, chat about how you are feeling, and give you the personal one-on-one support you deserve.
