Legendary actor and director Danny Glover joins Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in a new PBAFacts campaign designed to educate and encourage patients with neurologic conditions, and their caregivers, to learn more about Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) and to speak with their physician.
The campaign hinges on the idea that an actor has the ability to cry and laugh on cue and how that contrasts with the lack of control experienced by people living with PBA episodes.
While PBA is not well known, an estimated two million Americans suffer from PBA, a neurologic condition characterized by uncontrollable, sudden outbursts of crying and/or laughing that usually don’t match what the person is feeling on the inside. PBA occurs in people with brain injuries or certain neurologic conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke or multiple sclerosis (MS). That’s why it is so important for consumers to learn that there is a name for this neurologic condition and that it is treatable.
“Sudden outbursts of crying or laughing can be a sign of fine acting. But for some, it could be a sign of PBA,” said Danny Glover.
“We believe Mr. Glover’s ability to ‘act’ PBA outbursts of crying and laughing will increase understanding and help undiagnosed people recognize their symptoms and inspire them to learn more,” said Rohan Palekar, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Avanir Pharmaceuticals. “What’s more, Mr. Glover’s respected status lends dignity to a condition that many sufferers find embarrassing.”
The new campaign featuring Danny Glover can be seen on TV, print and digital ads as well as in print materials. It is also featured on PBAFacts.com, an educational website that explains the science of PBA, has videos from doctors and a PBA assessment that patients can share with their doctor.
