Locked-in syndrome

Locked-in syndrome
A neurological disorder characterized by complete paralysis of voluntary muscles in all parts of the body except for those that control eye movement. The locked-in syndrome is usually a complication of a cerebrovascular accident (a stroke) in the base of the pons in the brainstem. The patient is alert and fully conscious but cannot move. Only vertical movements of the eyes and blinking are possible. Locked-in syndrome can also be due to traumatic brain injury, demyelinating diseases (disorders in which the insulating material around brain cells is lost), and medication overdose. There is no cure for locked-in syndrome, nor is there a standard course of treatment. Functional neuromuscular stimulation may help activate some paralyzed muscles. Several devices to help communication are available. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive. The prognosis for those with locked-in syndrome is poor. The majority of patients do not regain function.

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locked-in syndrome n the condition of an awake and sentient patient who because of motor paralysis throughout the body is unable to communicate except possibly by coded eye movements

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quadriplegia and mutism with intact consciousness and the preservation of voluntary vertical eye movements and blinking; usually due to a vascular lesion of the pars ventralis pontis. Called also coma vigil, de-efferented state, and pseudocoma. Cf. akinetic mutism.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • Locked-In Syndrome — Syndrome d enfermement Le Syndrome d enfermement (Appellation anglophone : Locked in syndrome), est un état neurologique rare qui pose un problème médical, économique, mais surtout humain. Le patient est éveillé et totalement conscient, il… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Locked-in syndrome — Syndrome d enfermement Le Syndrome d enfermement (Appellation anglophone : Locked in syndrome), est un état neurologique rare qui pose un problème médical, économique, mais surtout humain. Le patient est éveillé et totalement conscient, il… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Locked in syndrome — Syndrome d enfermement Le Syndrome d enfermement (Appellation anglophone : Locked in syndrome), est un état neurologique rare qui pose un problème médical, économique, mais surtout humain. Le patient est éveillé et totalement conscient, il… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • locked-in syndrome — noun (medicine) A neurological condition, resulting from brainstem damage, in which the subject is conscious and aware but unable to move or communicate, other than sometimes through blinking • • • Main Entry: ↑lock …   Useful english dictionary

  • Locked-In syndrome — Infobox Disease Name = PAGENAME Caption = Locked In syndrome can be caused by stroke at the level of the basilar artery denying blood to the pons, among other causes. DiseasesDB = ICD10 = ICD10|G|46|3|g|40 ICD9 = ICD9|344.81 ICDO = OMIM =… …   Wikipedia

  • locked-in syndrome — (LOKT in sin.drohm, drum) n. A rare medical state in which the patient s brain stem has been destroyed, resulting in complete paralysis from the neck down while still maintaining full consciousness and mental activity. Example Citation: Jean… …   New words

  • locked-in syndrome — noun A rare, severe physical disorder in which a person cannot speak and is paralyzed with the possible exception of some voluntary eye movement while his or her mental faculties remain fully intact …   Wiktionary

  • Locked-In Syndrome (film) — Pour les articles homonymes, voir Locked In Syndrome. Locked In Syndrome Données clés Titre original Locked In Syndrome Réalisation Emmanuel Caussé Éric Martin …   Wikipédia en Français

  • locked-in syndrome — see persistent vegetative state …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • locked-in syndrome — /lɒkt ˈɪn sɪndroʊm/ (say lokt in sindrohm) noun a condition in which a patient has full consciousness but is completely paralysed and thus unable to communicate, except in some cases where the eye muscles are still functioning allowing the… …  

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