Information on Locked-In Syndrome

Locked-in syndrome is also called is Cerebromedullospinal Disconnection. Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by complete paralysis of voluntary muscles in all parts of the body bar for those that manage eye movement. Locked-in syndrome has been classified into three categories including classic, incomplete and total. Patients have intact cognitive function and are awake, with eye opening and normal sleep-wake cycles. They can hear and see. However, they cannot move their lower face, chew, swallow, speak, breathe, move their limbs, or move their eyes laterally.

 Locked-in syndrome typically results from a pontine hemorrhage or infarct that causes quadriplegia and disrupts and damages the lower cranial nerves and the centers that manage horizontal gaze. It may also effect from traumatic brain injury, diseases of the circulatory system, diseases that demolish the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells, or medication overdose. There is no cure for locked-in syndrome. Stimulation of muscle reflexes with electrodes (Neuromuscular stimulation) has been known to help patients regain some muscle function.

Several devices to assist communication are available. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Good nutrition is also beneficial this condition. New direct brain interface mechanisms may provide future remedies. Providing physical therapy to prevent limb contractures. Speech therapists may help establish a communication code using eye blinks or movements. Because cognitive function is intact, patients should make their own health care decisions if communication can be established. Assistive computer interface technologies, such as Dasher in combination with Eye tracking may be used to help patients communicate.