pseudobulbar affect

Question

My grandfather had a stroke last year, and ever since then, he’s been behaving differently. At first, we thought it was just emotional stress from the stroke, but then we noticed something odd—he would suddenly burst into laughter or tears at random moments. It wasn’t like normal emotions; he wasn’t actually happy when he laughed, and he wasn’t sad when he cried. It was completely out of his control.

The doctor said he has pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a condition that happens when brain damage affects the way emotions are expressed. They said it’s common in people who’ve had strokes, brain injuries, or neurological diseases like Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis. They gave him some medication, but it doesn’t seem to be working well, and he’s frustrated because he can’t control his reactions.

I started researching if Ayurveda has any treatments for pseudobulbar affect. Are there Ayurvedic herbs or therapies that help balance emotions and improve brain function? I read that Brahmi and Shankhpushpi help with brain health, but do they work for neurological disorders like PBA?

Also, could diet and lifestyle changes make a difference? Would something like meditation or yoga help his brain heal? He’s feeling hopeless and embarrassed because he can’t control when he laughs or cries. I want to help him find something that actually works.

Has anyone here tried Ayurveda for pseudobulbar affect? Can it actually reduce these sudden emotional outbursts and help him regain control?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is often linked to an imbalance in the nervous system, particularly in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and communication in the body. To address this, Ayurvedic treatments focus on calming the nervous system and promoting emotional balance. Herbs like Brahmi and Shankhpushpi are indeed beneficial for brain health, as they help soothe the mind, enhance cognitive function, and restore emotional stability. These herbs can improve clarity of thought and reduce emotional volatility by calming excess Vata. Additionally, incorporating a grounding diet with warm, nourishing foods, such as ghee, whole grains, and root vegetables, can help balance Vata and promote better emotional regulation. Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises (like pranayama) can also aid in calming the mind and restoring balance to the nervous system. While Ayurvedic treatments can offer support, it is important to work alongside conventional care, as the brain’s healing process can take time. Consistency in lifestyle changes, diet, and herbal remedies can provide gradual relief and help manage symptoms of PBA.

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