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22 - Akinetic mutism and related disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2009

By
Didier Leys  and
Hilde Henon
Edited by
Olivier Godefroy  and
Julien Bogousslavsky
Didier Leys
Affiliation:
University Hospital of Lille, France
Hilde Henon
Affiliation:
University Hospital of Lille, France
Olivier Godefroy
Affiliation:
Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens
Julien Bogousslavsky
Affiliation:
Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
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Summary

General characteristics of akinetic mutism

Neuropsychological deficits are of major importance in stroke patients: they are frequent, have a major diagnostic value as they may be the only clinical manifestation of stroke, require a specific management, and are a major determinant of residual disability. This chapter will focus on the main characteristics of akinetic mutism and related disorders, which are sometimes classified as “coma-like states.”

Clinical description

The main characteristics of akinetic mutism and related disorders that may be misdiagnosed with akinetic mutism are summarized in the Key points table. All these conditions may occur after a coma of a variable length of time, and represent a favorable step between a comatose state and return to normality. The main difference between these conditions and coma is that sleep–wake cycles are present. This differentiation is important to determine the prognosis and to choose the most appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Akinetic mutism

Akinetic mutism is also called “abulia major,” and was formerly called “coma vigile.” Patients with akinetic mutism appear alert or at least wakeful, because their eyes are open and they have active gaze movements. They are mute and immobile, but they are able to follow the observer or moving objects with their eyes, to whisper a few monosyllables, and to have slow feeble voluntary movements under repetitive stimuli. The patients can answer questions, but otherwise never voluntarily start speaking. In extreme circumstances such as noxious stimuli, they can become agitated and even say appropriate words.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology of Stroke , pp. 444 - 454
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2007

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