Locked-In Syndrome

Locked-in syndrome is a condition due to a ventral pontine lesion (typically basilar-artery stroke) that causes quadriplegia and anarthria while consciousness is preserved; patients communicate by eye blinking/vertical eye movements. It results from interruption of corticospinal/corticobulbar tracts with sparing of reticular activating system and ocular movements. Treatment: treat the cause; supportive care (respiratory/nutrition); communication via eye-movement systems; rehabilitation.

Common Symptoms

Quadriplegia; anarthria; preserved consciousness; communicate by eye movement/blink; ventral pontine stroke

Causes and Pathogenesis

Ventral pontine lesion (basilar stroke) interrupts motor tracts while sparing consciousness/eye-movement pathways.

Treatment

Treat cause; supportive respiratory/nutrition; eye-movement communication; rehab

Preventive Measures

Stroke prevention; supportive communication.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.