Weak with laughter

Lancet. 1999 Sep 4;354(9181):838. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(99)80023-3.

Abstract

We found a marked reduction of H-reflex amplitude during laughter, suggesting that motor inhibition may underlie the feeling of being "weak with laughter". This effect may have a role in cataplexy, which is preferentially elicited by laughter.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Cataplexy / etiology*
  • Cataplexy / physiopathology
  • H-Reflex / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Laughter / physiology*
  • Motor Neurons / physiology