Kluver-Bucy Syndrome

Bilateral destruction of the amygdaloid body and inferior temporal cortex results in emotive behavioral changes known as Kluver-Bucy syndrome. The amygdala is a brain area located in the subcortical region of the temporal lobe. Human occurence of Kluver-Bucy syndrome typically results from surgical lesions, meningoencephalitis, or the rare disorder, Pick's Disease.

Symptoms of Kluver-Bucy Syndrome

Emotional Blunting: The subject suffering from Kluver-Bucy displays a flat affect and may not respond appropriately to stimuli. Following bilateral amygdala lesions, previously fierce monkeys will approach fear-inducing stimuli with no display of anger or fear.

Hyperphagia: Patients with Kluver-Bucy often suffer from extreme weight gain without a strictly monitored diet. This is likely for the purpose of oral stimulation or exploration and not indicative of a satiety disorder. There is a strong tendency for those with Kluver-Bucy to compulsively place inedible objects in their mouths.

Inappropriate Sexual Behavior: Human subjects with Kluver-Bucy may fail to publicly observe social sexual morays and there may be an increase in their sexual activity. Monkeys with bilateral amygdala lesions demonstrate atypical sex behaviors, mounting inanimate objects and members of the same sex.

Visual Agnosia: Subjects with Kluver-Bucy suffer from "psychic blindness," i. e. an inability to visually recognize objects. Oral compulsions may provide an alternate means of object identification.