DEVELOPMENT OF AKINETIC MUTISM AND HYPERPHAGIA AFTER LEFT THALAMIC AND RIGHT HYPOTHALAMIC-LESIONS

A case of childhood post-traumatic akinetic mutism is presented. The p atient showed a hyperphagic condition while recovering from akinetic m utism. He had lesions in the left interlaminal nucleus of the thalamus , right globus pallidus, and right dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothal amus. Laboratory data indicated slightly disturbed hypothalamic functi ons. In general, akinetic mutism can be seen with bilateral destructiv e lesions, while hyperphagia may occur after destruction of dorsomedia l hypothalamic nucleus, but it is very rare. This is the first reporte d case of akinetic mutism caused by a unilateral lesion.