Methylphenidate for giggle incontinence.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE: Giggle incontinence or enuresis risoria is a socially embarrassing problem characterized by involuntary and complete bladder emptying in response to laughter. To our knowledge the cause of giggle incontinence is unknown, although a functional relationship to cataplexy was suggested. We retrospectively examined the effectiveness of methylphenidate for giggle incontinence in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients referred to a pediatric specialty voiding center between 2004 and 2008 for wetting associated with laughter. Patients who met giggle incontinence criteria with no associated urgency or urge incontinence were offered a trial of methylphenidate. Wetting frequency was assessed before and during methylphenidate treatment. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients with a mean age of 12.4 years (range 7.5 to 15.5) met giggle incontinence criteria with no other wetting reported. Incontinence frequency was daily to less than once weekly. After a timed voiding trial 15 of 20 patients (75%) elected a methylphenidate trial, of whom 12 (80%) reported prompt and complete cessation of wetting. Treatment duration was 2 months to greater than 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Giggle incontinence with no other urinary symptoms is a rare form of incontinence. Methylphenidate was a viable option for giggle incontinence but it was not accepted by all families.

Author information

Author/s: Berry, Amanda K (AK); Zderic, Stephen (S); Carr, Michael (M);

Affiliation: Division of Urology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The Journal of urology (J Urol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 182 (issue 4 Suppl) : pp 2028-32

Dates: Created 2009/09/14; Completed 2009/10/29;

PMID: 19695642, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/29/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: J Urol. 2009 Oct;182(4 Suppl):2032. (PMID: 19695640)

CommentIn: J Urol. 2009 Oct;182(4 Suppl):2032. (PMID: 19695606)

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