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Akinetic mutism revealing an ischemic stroke
Saad Zidouh1, Said Jidane1, Ahmed Belkouch1
1Emergency Department Military Hospital Mohammed V, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy Rabat and Mohammed V University Rabat 6203, Morocco.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|December 14, 2016
Summary
A stroke affecting the left middle cerebral artery caused akinetic mutism, a rare condition characterized by unresponsiveness and inability to speak. This case highlights the unusual neurological deficits following cerebrovascular accidents.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Medicine
Background:
- Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), commonly known as strokes, can lead to a diverse range of neurological deficits.
- Akinetic mutism is a rare syndrome characterized by profound apathy, lack of spontaneous movement, and inability to speak, despite preserved consciousness.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male patient presented with akinetic mutism after experiencing a cerebrovascular accident.
- The stroke involved the territory of the left middle cerebral artery, a major cerebral blood vessel.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited a classic presentation of akinetic mutism, including immobility and mutism.
- Neuroimaging confirmed the cerebrovascular accident in the left middle cerebral artery distribution.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for cerebrovascular accidents to cause rare and complex neurological syndromes like akinetic mutism.
- Understanding such presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of stroke patients.
- Further research into the specific neural pathways affected in akinetic mutism secondary to MCA strokes is warranted.
