1623 - Kluver-Bucy Syndrome: An Uncommon Sequela of Traumatic Brain Injury

Case Diagnosis: Chronic Kluver-Bucy Syndrome Secondary to Traumatic Brain Injury

Case Description:

 

A 61-year-old male with history of schizoaffective disorder and traumatic brain injury (TBI) was brought to our hospital by family after being discharged from his nursing home due to agitation and hypersexuality concerns. The patient reportedly sustained a TBI due to a fall at a psychiatric facility in October 2023. The patient has a history of manic episodes, but according to his family, his agitation and hypersexuality became more prominent following his TBI, which is consistent with Kluver-Bucy syndrome (KBS).

The patient was admitted and started on Seroquel, Haldol, and Geodon. PM&R was consulted given history of TBI. Our team recommended reducing anti-psychotic medications given risk of side effects, discontinuing physical restraints in exchange for an enclosure bed, and environmental changes to decrease stimuli. Overall, these recommendations, along with educating the medical staff about KBS, helped optimize the patient’s care and reduced his agitation significantly.

Discussions:

Kluver-Bucy syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric disorder that can occur following a TBI. Only 24 case reports on KBS have been published between 1968-2017². The diagnostic criteria of KBS typically includes hyperorality, agitation, and hypersexuality. Due to the rarity and complex nature of KBS presentations, there is a lack of data available on definitive treatment recommendations to guide clinical practice². Early, comprehensive rehabilitation guided by a PM&R physician can play a crucial role in managing the symptoms of KBS and improving the quality of life for affected individuals¹.


Conclusions:

This case highlights the importance of understanding the clinical spectrum of KBS and provides guidance regarding the personalization of KBS treatment in clinical practice. Early PM&R involvement for KBS patients is essential in order to optimize symptom management through pharmacologic and conservative treatments, as well as provide extensive education to patients and their families regarding prognosis for KBS.