Locked-in syndrome is a neurological disorder in which all muscles in the body except those that control eye movement are paralyzed. Patients with locked-in syndrome are unable to move or speak, but can still think.
Common causes of locked-in syndrome include:
There is currently no cure for locked-in syndrome. Treatment may include functional neuromuscular stimulation, a therapy that uses electrodes to stimulate muscle reflexes. There are several different types of equipment designed to help the patient communicate. Most other treatment is designed to treat symptoms as they arise, as well as to offer support to the patient.
While a very few patients have regained a limited amount of muscle use, most patients don’t experience any recovery at all. The condition is considered permanent, and research is currently being done in order to find ways to treat and cure this devastating disorder.