Akinetic mutism (AM) is a neurological disorder characterized by a profound lack of motivation, leading to severe motor and speech impairment or complete loss of function. Due to its clinical resemblance to disorders of consciousness and locked-in syndrome, AM is often misdiagnosed or overlooked, necessitating increased awareness among clinicians. This review summarizes the recent advances in neuroanatomical basis of AM, roles of neuroimaging in AM diagnosis and prognosis, and current therapeutic strategies of AM so as to enhance the awareness of clinicians in AM.

Akinetic mutism (AM) is a neurological disorder characterized by a profound lack of motivation, leading to severe motor and speech impairment or complete loss of function. Due to its clinical resemblance to disorders of consciousness and locked-in syndrome, AM is often misdiagnosed or overlooked, necessitating increased awareness among clinicians. This review summarizes the recent advances in neuroanatomical basis of AM, roles of neuroimaging in AM diagnosis and prognosis, and current therapeutic strategies of AM so as to enhance the awareness of clinicians in AM.