Toward a more precise, clinically-informed pathophysiology of pathological laughing and crying

- Pathological laughter and crying occurs in the context of brain diseases and lesions.
- Clinical and preclinical literature elucidate a new understanding of pathophysiology.
- A volitional system inhibits an emotionally-driven motor system (Wilson, 1924).
- Specific cortical and subcortical inputs and their neurotransmitters are reviewed.
- A more specific pathophysiology and nosology is offered to aid future research.