A Case of Anton-Babinski Syndrome in an older adult: A case report

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Anton-Babinski syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric syndrome described by Gabriel Anton and Joseph Babinski early in the 19th century. This syndrome represents a rare differential that can mimic the advanced stages of dementia with similar apraxia, poor insight, while presenting different management needs and treatment response. Anton-Babinski syndrome results from damage to the non-dominant parietal lobe of the cerebral cortex and associated connections. It is the right-hemisphere equivalent of Gerstmann Syndrome and is to be distinguished from Anton's syndrome, caused by bilateral occipital cortical damage. Anton-Babinski syndrome presents with contralateral sensory neglect, anosognosia with anosodiaphoria (affective indifference), construction, and dressing apraxia. It can lead to significant functional impairment and a substantial risk of falls in affected subjects, as we present in our case. There is a relative paucity of data regarding this syndrome due to its remarkable rarity. <h3>Methods</h3> N/A <h3>Results</h3> N/A <h3>Conclusions</h3> Despite presenting initially for management of possible vascular major neurocognitive disorder with neuropsychiatric symptoms, detailed assessment and work-up revealed her presentation to be most consistent with the rare Anton-Babinski syndrome. Awareness of such disease entities can inform treatment planning. In her case, she will most likely benefit from deprescribing cognitive enhancers, which worsen her bradycardia and increase her fall risk, while optimizing occupational and physical therapy to improve her quality of life and home safety. <h3>This research was funded by</h3> None