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Akinetic mutism with recovery after repeated carbon monoxide poisoning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

J. Sydney Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
H. Brierley
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
S. Brandon
Affiliation:
Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne

Summary

A 27-year-old man developed signs of personality change after exposure to carbon monoxide. One month later a second exposure was followed by an akinetic mute state with unusual motor seizures, probably associated with tentorial herniation and brain-stem compression. Elimination of carbon monoxide was unduly prolonged after the second exposure. The patient showed clinical evidence of dementia, but there has been a gradual improvement in cognitive and social functioning over two years.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1971

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