Incomplete locked-in syndrome (also referred to as pseudolocked-in syndrome) is a rare neurological condition resulting from damage to part of the brainstem that results in partial paralysis. Unlike locked-in syndrome, which is complete paralysis of voluntary muscles, individuals with incomplete locked-in syndrome retain some motor function.
Typically, individuals with incomplete locked-in syndrome can experience facial paralysis, difficulty speaking, and difficulty controlling limb movements, while retaining some control of their eyes and the ability to eat, drink, and breathe normally.
The cause of incomplete locked-in syndrome is not completely understood, but it is often related to an interruption in the connection between nerves and muscles in the face and limbs. The interruption of this connection may be a result of a variety of health conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, head or neck trauma, or brain surgery.
In some cases, it can also be caused by a combination of interacting medical problems or unknown causes.
Treatment of incomplete locked-in syndrome is often focused on managing the underlying cause, helping the person maintain healthy physical and mental functioning, and finding ways to communicate and express themselves.
Treatment may include physical therapy, medications, counseling, speech therapy, and assistive technology. Many people with incomplete locked-in syndrome are able to maintain independence and a good quality of life.
What is the difference between complete and incomplete locked-in syndrome?
Complete locked-in syndrome is a neurological disorder in which the patient is conscious and aware, but no voluntary movements, aside from eye movements, can be made. All four limbs, along with all voluntary muscle activity, are paralyzed, and the person is unable to communicate verbally.
Incomplete locked-in syndrome is very similar, but the patient retains some degree of voluntary movement, and may have limited speech or eye contact. The degree of movement and communication is highly variable, and depends on the severity of the initial injury.
In both types of locked-in syndrome, individuals are conscious and retain their mental capacity and cognitive functioning, though they are typically unable to verbally communicate or control their body movements.
Are people with locked-in syndrome conscious?
Yes, people with locked-in syndrome are conscious. Locked-in syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by complete paralysis of the voluntary muscles. Due to this, individuals with the disorder are unable to verbally communicate or move any voluntary muscle in their body, including those involved in breathing.
However, since the brainstem is generally spared, individuals with locked-in syndrome are typically awake and aware of their surroundings, making them conscious. They often have intact mental faculties, such as the ability to remember, reason, and understand what is going on around them.
According to studies, most people with locked-in syndrome are also capable of expressing emotions such as fear, happiness, and anger. Additionally, individuals with the disorder are often able to interact with the outside world through advanced forms of communication, such as eye movement, blinking, and/or desktop computers.
Is locked-in syndrome Guillain Barre?
No, locked-in syndrome is not the same as Guillain Barre. Locked-in syndrome is a neurological disorder where individuals are conscious but have complete paralysis of the muscles in all four limbs, the face, and throat.
This means people with locked-in syndrome cannot communicate verbally, but they are fully conscious and aware of their surroundings. On the other hand, Guillain Barre is an autoimmune disorder that causes severe nerve damage, resulting in weakness in the arms and legs, a decrease in reflexes, and paralysis.
Although these two conditions have similar symptoms in terms of paralysis, they are caused by different things. Guillain Barre is caused by an immune system reaction, while locked-in syndrome usually results from a stroke that affects a specific part of the brainstem.
The prognosis and treatment options for these two conditions vary, so it is important to make the distinction between them.
How many cases of locked-in syndrome are there?
It is difficult to determine the exact number of cases of locked-in syndrome due to the fact that many cases are not diagnosed or reported correctly. Estimates suggest that there are around 250 reported cases per year worldwide, with around 8,000 people living with the condition in total.
However, it is possible that the true number of cases is much higher due to under-reporting. Factors such as misdiagnosis or the lack of knowledge about the condition among healthcare providers can also contribute to lower numbers.
Locked-in syndrome can be caused by a number of different conditions, including stroke, brain stem trauma, trauma from a brain aneurysm, and some diseases such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. It is caused by a lack of communication between the brain and muscle movements, resulting in a person being completely paralyzed and unable to move or speak.
Despite being unable to move or speak, people with locked-in syndrome are generally conscious and aware.