# When Laughter Knocks You Out: A Case of Laughing‐Induced Syncope and a Review of the Literature

**Authors:** Stephanie Abutu, Mohammad El‐Din, Prashanth Raju, Ibrahim Antoun

PMC · DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.71297 · Clinical Case Reports · 2025-10-15

## TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of fainting caused by laughing and discusses how to diagnose and manage this unusual condition.

## Contribution

The paper presents a new case of laughing-induced syncope and emphasizes the importance of recognizing this rare condition.

## Key findings

- Fainting due to laughter can be caused by exaggerated vagal responses or inappropriate sympathetic withdrawal.
- Diagnosis requires ruling out cardiac abnormalities and careful monitoring.
- Prevention involves patient education and behavioral modifications to avoid recurrence.

## Abstract

Significant implications, particularly in high‐risk settings such as driving. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges in identifying this condition, which necessitate a comprehensive evaluation to rule out structural or electrical cardiac abnormalities and confirm the diagnosis through careful monitoring. The proposed pathophysiology involves exaggerated vagal responses or inappropriate sympathetic withdrawal, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Management hinges on a tailored, trigger‐focused approach, emphasizing patient education and behavioral modifications to prevent a recurrence. Increased awareness of laughter‐induced syncope is vital for timely diagnosis, effective management, and the prevention of serious adverse outcomes.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** cardiac abnormalities (MESH:D018376), Syncope (MESH:D013575)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12528538/full.md

## References

17 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12528538/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12528538