Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Locked-in Syndrome

Definition

Locked-in syndrome is a condition in which an individual is fully conscious, but all the voluntary muscles of the body are completely paralyzed, with the exception of the muscles controlling eye movement.

Description

Locked-in syndrome is a catastrophic condition that prevents an individual from voluntarily moving any muscles of the body, other than those that control eye movement. As a result, the individual cannot move or speak, although some communication is possible through blinking or eye movements. Despite the devastating loss of function, an individual with locked-in syndrome is completely conscious and aware, able to think and reason normally. Luckily, locked-in syndrome is exceedingly rare.

About 40–70% of people suffering from locked-in syndrome die within a short time of suffering the causative injury.

Causes and symptoms

Locked-in syndrome can occur after severe,...