[Post-traumatic mutism. A report of five cases (author's transl)].

After a review of current concepts about post-traumatic mutism, the authors describe five patients with this unusual symptom. The study extends on a long follow-up period. Differential diagnosis and possible neurological and psychopathological factors are discussed. Analysis of their personal observations leads the authors to think that there is a relationship between the length of coma and the duration of mutism. Frontal and/or bilateral lesions seem to be more likely to produce post-traumatic mutism, as does the existence of emotional disturbances or depressive symptoms in past history.