Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-ws8qp Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-29T08:12:31.224Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Does the form of akinetic mutism linked to mesodiencephalic injuries bridge the double dissociation of Parkinson's disease and catatonia?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 August 2003

Ayeesha K. Kamal
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021 nds2001@med.cornell.eduayk9001@med.cornell.edu
Nicholas D. Schiff
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021 nds2001@med.cornell.eduayk9001@med.cornell.edu

Abstract

Northoff provides a compelling argument supporting a kind of “double dissociation” of Parkinson's disease and catatonia. We discuss a related form of akinetic mutism linked to mesodiencephalic injuries and suggest an alternative to the proposed “horizontal” versus “vertical” modulation distinction. Rather than a “directional” difference in patterned neuronal activity, we propose that both disorders reflect hypersynchrony within typically interdependent but segregated networks facilitated by a common thalamic gating mechanism.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 2002 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)