User:Crowen4/Akinetic mutism
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Akinetic mutism is a medical term describing patients tending neither to move (akinesia) nor speak (mutism). Akinetic mutism was first described in 1941 by Cairns et al. as a mental state where patients lack the ability to move or speak[1] . However, their eyes may follow their observer or be diverted by sound[1] . Patients lack most motor functions such as speech, facial expressions, and gestures, but demonstrate apparent alertness[2]. They exhibit reduced activity and slowness, and can speak in whispered monosyllables [1] [3]. Patients often show visual fixation on their examiner, move their eyes in response to an auditory stimulus, or move after often repeated commands[1] [2] . Patients with akinetic mutism are not paralyzed, but lack the will to move[1] . Many patients describe that as soon as they ‘will’ or attempt a movement, a ‘counter-will’ or ‘resistance’ rises up to meet them[4] .