Relief of akinetic mutism from obstructive hydrocephalus using bromocriptine and ephedrine. Case report.

The case of a 20-year-old man with obstructive hydrocephalus who suffered multiple shunt failures and shunt revisions is presented. The patient gradually developed a clinical syndrome of akinetic mutism. This behavioral syndrome failed to respond to shunt revisions, but did improve after the administration of a combination of bromocriptine and ephedrine.