neurologic disorders
Locked In Syndrome
Introduction
Locked-in syndrome is a state of wakefulness and awareness with quadriplegia and paralysis of the lower cranial nerves, resulting in inability to show facial expression, move, speak, or communicate, except by coded eye movements. Locked-in syndrome typically results from a stroke (pontine hemorrhage or infarct) that causes quadriplegia and disrupts and damages the lower cranial nerves and the centers that control horizontal gaze. Other disorders that result in severe widespread motor paralysis (eg, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) ) and cancers that involve the posterior fossa and the pons are less common causes. Locked-in syndrome can also result from infection, tumors, toxins, trauma, arteriovenous malformations, and opioid use. 