Patricia Scheler
Biology 1030
Sue Knoll
Journal Article Summary
Cotard Syndrome Cortard Syndrome, also known as, Walking Corpse Syndrome was discovered and diagnosed by Dr. Jules Cotard in 1880. This syndrome is a neuropsychiatry condition typically associated with depressive symptoms. Cotards falls under the DSM-5 category on the Manual of Mental Disorders. Individuals with Cortard’s characteristically demonstrates behavior believing they have no internal organs, blood, or body parts. Their brain allows them to believe that they are dead, even though they are physically alive and breathing. Cortard Syndrome is frequently associated with schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, central nervous system infections, cerebrovascular disease, …show more content…
He would refuse to eat. He lost interest in being social and smoking. Graham stated “there was no point I didn’t feel pleasure in anything; I used to idolize my car, but I didn’t go near it. All the things I was interested in went away.” “There is no point because I was dead” (ncbi.) Graham’s responses are typical of an individual suffering from Cortards. Other statements from similar patients were, “my heart does not beat,” “I have no blood,” and “I’m going to die.” Graham’s PET scan showed that his frontal and parietal brain that were involved in motor function, memory, and sensory function were extremely low resembling someone who was in a vegetative state. Dr. Steven Laurey, a neurologist at the University of Liege in Belgium stated that he viewed Graham’s PET Scan and “I’ve been analyzing PET Scans for 15 years and I’ve never seen anyone who was on his feet, who was interacting with people, with such an abnormal scan results.” (New Scientist.)
The Possible causes of Cortard’s Syndrome are:
• Migraines with aura: headache that strikes after or along with sensory disturbances
• Traumatic brain