page_title: Akinetic mutism
section_title: Causes
hierarchical_section_title: Akinetic mutism / Causes
caption_attribution_description: English: thalamus. Images are from Anatomography maintained by Life Science Databases(LSDB). 日本語: 視床。 画像はLife Science Databases(LSDB)のAnatomographyというサイトより。
context_page_description: Akinetic mutism is a medical term describing patients tending neither to move nor speak. Akinetic mutism was first described in 1941 as a mental state where patients lack the ability to move or speak. However, their eyes may follow their observer or be diverted by sound. Patients lack most motor functions such as speech, facial expressions, and gestures, but demonstrate apparent alertness. They exhibit reduced activity and slowness, and can speak in whispered monosyllables. Patients often show visual fixation on their examiner, move their eyes in response to an auditory stimulus, or move after often repeated commands. Patients with akinetic mutism are not paralyzed, but lack the will to move. Many patients describe that as soon as they 'will' or attempt a movement, a 'counter-will' or 'resistance' rises up to meet them.
context_section_description: Akinetic mutism can be caused by a variety of things. It often occurs after brain injury or as a symptom of other diseases.
caption: Many cases of akinetic mutism have occurred after a thalamic stroke.
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