locked-in syndrome

locked-in syndrome

 [lok't in]

a condition in which the patient is awake and retains mental capacity but cannot express himself or herself because of paralysis of afferent motor pathways, preventing speech and limb movements (except for some form of voluntary eye movement, usually up and down). The patient may be able to establish effective communication through eye movements and specially adapted computers or letter boards.

locked-·in syn·drome

basis pontis infarct resulting in tetraplegia, horizontal ophthalmoplegia, dysphagia, and facial diplegia with preserved consciousness; caused by basilar artery occlusion.

Synonym(s): pseudocoma

locked-in syndrome

Etymology: ME, loc + Gk, syn, together, dromos, course

a paralytic condition, caused by bilateral destruction of the medulla oblongata or pons, in which a person may be conscious and alert but unable to communicate except by eye movements or blinking (e.g., pseudocoma). The condition renders the individual unable to speak or move any of the limbs. It is most frequently caused by stroke or central pontine myelinolysis.

locked-in syndrome

Neurology Flaccid tetraplegia with facial paresis and complete incapacity of expression–ie, anarthric and aphonic; LIS is due to damage or dysfunction of descending motor pathways or peripheral nerves, 2º to bilateral destruction of the basis pontis or medulla and sparing of tegmentum, caused by infarcts or central pontine myelinolysis; LIS Pts are conscious and alert and only capable of communicating by moving their eyes–voluntary eye movement and eyelids–blinking

lock·ed-in syn·drome

(lokt-in' sin'drōm)

Basis pontis infarct resulting in tetraplegia, horizontal ophthalmoplegia, dysphagia, and facial diplegia with preserved consciousness; caused by basilar artery occlusion.

locked-in syndrome

A state of total paralysis, except for eye movements, in which the victim remains conscious and able to communicate by eye movement codes. This nightmarish situation usually results from a basilar artery haemorrhage or thrombosis, or other damage, affecting the ventral pons with preservation of the dorsal tegmental area. This destroys almost all motor function, but leaves the higher mental functions intact. Compare PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE.