The Effect of Levodopa on Akinetic Mutism in Bilateral Anterior Cerebral Artery Infarction -A case report-

Akinetic mutism is a clinical syndrome in which the patient is unable to speak (mutism) or move (akinesia). Various brain lesions can induce akinetic mutism. We attended a 71-year-old woman who presented with akinetic mutism caused by bilateral anterior cerebral artery infarction. The patient improved after the administration of levodopa combined with carbidopa, in response to visual and verbal stimuli. Increased verbal output and spontaneous motor activities were also noted. Levodopa may be helpful to the treatment of akinetic mutism.