"Beyond Laughter and Tears," a documentary about Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) premieres in Washington, D.C. presented by the Brain Injury Association of America and Avanir

"Beyond Laughter and Tears," a documentary about Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) premieres in Washington, D.C. presented by the Brain Injury Association of America and Avanir

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

"I've had laughing attacks in restaurants, definitely in meetings, you know pretty important meetings with work. I've definitely had a situation where it's almost turned into a fight in the past,'" - Scott Lotan, suffering from PBA.

A Virginia Beach resident and father of two, Scott routinely takes his two kids to the park, out for lunch, a movie, or even the beach. On the surface, he looks like any other father. But it wasn't always this way. In 2001, a doctor diagnosed Scott with MS. More recently, he's developed symptoms of PBA, a secondary condition prevalent among people who've suffered some sort of traumatic brain injury or stroke or certain other diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's or Multiple Sclerosis. Sometimes Scott will break into uncontrollable laughter, regardless of how he's feeling, and sometimes in the most awkward moments. "You know, I'm packing out my fiancée's clothes three, four days after we buried her and I'm laughing. And yeah, I got great memories and all that stuff but I missed her so, so much," says Scott.

"Beyond Laughter and Tears" is a film that chronicles the lives of six people dealing with PBA. Symptoms of the condition include uncontrolled bouts of crying and/or laughing as well as inarticulate sounds and facial distortion. Many people suffering from PBA withdraw from friends and family as the social stigma proves too heavy a burden.

"PBA is a socially isolating condition, even more so when it has not been properly diagnosed or treated. The Brain Injury Association of America is pleased to partner with Avanir and the PBA Film Project to bring 'Beyond Laughter and Tears' to the attention of policymakers in Washington, D.C.," said Susan Connors, Brain Injury Association of America President/Chief Executive Officer.

Former TODAY SHOW health and fitness correspondent, Jenna Wolfe will interview Scott after the screening.

Event will be held on March 15, 2016 at Union Station, Washington, DC.
Cocktail reception at 6:00pm.
Screening at 7:00pm.



SOURCE Brain Injury Association of America; Avanir

Brain Injury Association of America; Avanir

CONTACT: Grace Kahng, grace@santokiproductions.com, 415-606-8123


-------
Profile: intent