Development of akinetic mutism and hyperphagia after left thalamic and right hypothalamic lesions

Childs Nerv Syst. 1993 Jul;9(4):243-5. doi: 10.1007/BF00303578.

Abstract

A case of childhood post-traumatic akinetic mutism is presented. The patient showed a hyperphagic condition while recovering from akinetic mutism. He had lesions in the left interlaminal nucleus of the thalamus, right globus pallidus, and right dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Laboratory data indicated slightly disturbed hypothalamic functions. In general, akinetic mutism can be seen with bilateral destructive lesions, while hyperphagia may occur after destruction of dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, but it is very rare. This is the first reported case of akinetic mutism caused by a unilateral lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Akinetic Mutism / physiopathology*
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Dominance, Cerebral / physiology*
  • Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Nucleus / injuries*
  • Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Nucleus / physiopathology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head Injuries, Closed / physiopathology*
  • Head Injuries, Closed / surgery
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / physiopathology
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hyperphagia / physiopathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Thalamic Nuclei / injuries*
  • Thalamic Nuclei / physiopathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed