title: Reversible akinetic mutism possibly induced by baclofen.
abstract: A 76-year-old man developed akinetic mutism after 3 days of receiving low-dosage baclofen. Electroencephalography showed a diffusely slow background with intermittent generalized sharp wave discharges. The condition resolved after discontinuing baclofen. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of baclofen-induced akinetic mutism in a patient with normal renal function. The pathophysiology of this condition is unknown, but it may result from selective binding of the drug to the gamma-aminobutyric acid-B receptors located in the frontal lobes or thalamic nuclei, interrupting the thalamocortical limbic pathways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: So
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000405:Akinetic Mutism / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001418:Baclofen / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D018755:GABA Agonists; D001418:Baclofen