akinetic mutism
MONDO:0005640
A syndrome characterized by a silent and inert state without voluntary motor activity despite preserved sensorimotor pathways and vigilance. Bilateral frontal lobe dysfunction involving the anterior cingulate gyrus and related brain injuries are associated with this condition. This may result in impaired abilities to communicate and initiate motor activities. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p348; Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr 1995 Feb;63(2):59-67)
Research intelligence
Directly mapped studies only · unique clinical trialsCurrent registry observations. Phase counts may overlap. Study start dates are not registry registration dates. Investigational interventions are not approved-treatment recommendations.
Medications under investigation
Verified disease and drug mappings that co-occur within the same study; not evidence of effectiveness.
MONDO disease family
Recruiting studies by city
Trial status
Trial phase
Study start year
Investigated drug interventions
Akinetic mutism
Akinetic mutism is a medical condition in which patients tend to neither move (akinesia) nor speak (mutism). It is the most severe disorder of diminished motivation. Akinetic mutism was first described in 1941 as a mental state where patients lack the ability to move or speak. However, their eyes may follow their observer or be diverted by sound. Patients lack most motor functions such as speech, facial expressions, and gestures, but demonstrate apparent alertness. They exhibit reduced activity and slowness, and can speak in whispered monosyllables. Patients often show visual fixation on their examiner, move their eyes in response to an auditory stimulus, or move after often repeated commands. Patients with akinetic mutism are not paralyzed, but lack the volition to move. Many patients describe that as soon as they "will" or attempt a movement, a "counter-will" or "resistance" rises up to meet them.
Background only. Canonical identity remains MONDO; clinical-trial relationships come from ClinicalTrials.gov.Drugs being studied
Disease identity and terminology: MONDO. Trial relationships: ClinicalTrials.gov.