Manic-like state after bilateral orbitofrontal and right temporoparietal injury: efficacy of clonidine

A manic-like state occurred in a 44-year-old right-handed woman with bilateral orbitofrontal and right temporoparietal traumatic contusions. In a brief trial, we assessed the effect of clonidine, carbamazepine, dopa therapy, and placebo on manic symptoms and cognitive functions. Clonidine rapidly reversed the manic syndrome. The patient's behavior did not change with carbamazepine and worsened with levodopa. We suggest that the manic-like syndrome was related to noradrenergic overactivity secondary to the fronto-orbital lesions.