Locked-in syndrome

Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological condition in which the patient is fully conscious and aware but unable to speak or move the limbs because of paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles. It most commonly results from damage to the ventral pons, particularly following basilar artery thrombosis or pontine infarction. Vertical eye movements and blinking are usually preserved, providing an important means of communication. Consciousness and cognition remain intact because the cerebral cortex and ascending reticular activating system are spared. It must be carefully distinguished from coma, vegetative state and brain death.