Relief of akinetic mutism from obstructive hydrocephalus using bromocriptine and ephedrine. Case report.
The case of a 20-year-old man with obstructive hydrocephalus who suffered multiple shunt failures and shunt revisions is presented. The patient gradually developed a clinical syndrome of akinetic mutism. This behavioral syndrome failed to respond to shunt revisions, but did improve after the administration of a combination of bromocriptine and ephedrine.
Anderson
B
B
Neurology Section, Kessler Technical Training Center Medical Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.
D000328:Adult; D000405:Akinetic Mutism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male
D001971:Bromocriptine; D004809:Ephedrine