Locked-in syndrome. Case and literature review.

A case of locked-in syndrome is described and the literature is reviewed. The disorder consists of quadriplegia and mutism with preserved consciousness. The only remaining voluntary movements are usually vertical eye movements and eyelid blinking. Most cases are caused by basilar artery occlusion resulting in a brainstem infarction in the ventral pons. Health care personnel must be aware that: 1) cognition and some cutaneous sensation is intact and 2) while for most patients the prognosis is poor, there is some chance for partial to almost complete recovery.