Akinetic mutism | |
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Specialty | Neurology, Psychiatry |
Akinetic mutism is a medical condition where patients tend neither to move (akinesia) nor speak (mutism). It is the most extreme disorder of diminished motivation. Akinetic mutism was first described in 1941 as a mental state where patients lack the ability to move or speak.[1] However, their eyes may follow their observer or be diverted by sound.[1] Patients lack most motor functions such as speech, facial expressions, and gestures, but demonstrate apparent alertness.[2] They exhibit reduced activity and slowness, and can speak in whispered monosyllables.[1][3] Patients often show visual fixation on their examiner, move their eyes in response to an auditory stimulus, or move after often repeated commands.[1][2] Patients with akinetic mutism are not paralyzed, but lack the will to move.[1] Many patients describe that as soon as they "will" or attempt a movement, a "counter-will" or "resistance" rises up to meet them.[4]
Nagaratnam, mutism following stroke
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