Reversible akinetic mutism possibly induced by baclofen

A 76-year-old man developed akinetic mutism after 3 days of receiving low-dosage baclofen. Electroencephalography showed a diffusely slow background with intermittent generalized sharp wave discharges. The condition resolved after discontinuing baclofen. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of baclofen-induced akinetic mutism in a patient with normal renal function. The pathophysiology of this condition is unknown, but it may result from selective binding of the drug to the gamma-aminobutyric acid-B receptors located in the frontal lobes or thalamic nuclei, interrupting the thalamocortical limbic pathways.