Saturdays News - Locked-In Syndrome

Definition: Locked-in syndrome From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Locked-in syndrome is a condition in which a patient is aware and awake but cannot move or communicate verbally due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body except for the eyes. Total locked-in syndrome is a version of locked-in syndrome where the eyes are paralyzed, as well. The term for this disorder was coined by Fred Plum and Jerome Posner in 1966. Locked-in syndrome is also known as cerebromedullospinal disconnection, de-efferented state, pseudocoma, and ventral pontine syndrome.

Locked-in syndrome can be caused by stroke at the level of the

basilar artery denying blood to the pons, among other causes.

Presentation

Locked-in syndrome usually results in quadriplegia and the inability to speak in otherwise cognitively intact individuals. Those with locked-in syndrome may be able to communicate with others through coded messages by blinking or moving their eyes, which are often not affected by the paralysis. The symptoms are similar to those of sleep paralysis. Patients who have locked-in syndrome are conscious and aware, with no loss of cognitive function. They can sometimes retain proprioception and sensation throughout their bodies. Some patients may have the ability to move certain facial muscles, and most often some or all of the extraocular eye muscles. Individuals with the syndrome lack coordination between breathing and voice. This restricts them from producing voluntary sounds, though the vocal cords are not paralysed.

Causes

Unlike persistent vegetative state, in which the upper portions of the brain are damaged and the lower portions are spared, locked-in syndrome is caused by damage to specific portions of the lower brain and brainstem, with no damage to the upper brain.

Possible causes of locked-in syndrome include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Diseases of the circulatory system
• Medication overdose
• Damage to nerve cells, particularly destruction of the myelin sheath, caused by disease (e.g. central pontine myelinolysis secondary to rapid correction of hyponatremia)
• A stroke or brain hemorrhage, usually of the basilar artery

See the full article Locked-in syndrome From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Locked-In Syndrome Definition (presented by YouTube)

Locked in Syndrome Overview

Jenny's Story.

In march 2004, jenny lynn suffered a massive brainstem stroke & was left "locked-in." This is her recovery progress the following 9 months. She still is improving.

It's a Girl Who Tells Her Story About Jenny's Story.

It's about a girl who tells her story about herself & how you people should accept yourself.

Trapped In Your Own Body (Hungry Beast)

Seventeen years ago, Maree Bourke-Calliss suffered a massive stroke from a knock received during a netball game. She's now what the medicos call "Locked In", unable to move or speak. Her brain is 100% there, but it's inside a body that can only communicate by blinking. For this interview, we sent Maree a bunch of questions in advance. It took her nearly a week to blink out the answers. In the video, Maree's responses are read out by her sister, Berni.

Produced and directed by Monique Schafter and Aaron Smith for Hungry Beast. Edited by Andrew Glover.

Marty Acierno - "The Fighter" Locked-In Syndrome.

MARTY- After an amazing recovery from his first stroke in June 2008, Marty suffered a second more catastrophic and devastating Brain Stem Stroke, resulting in a condition called, "Locked-In Syndrome".  Except for eye movement and small head movements, he is completely unable to move, yet fully conscious, aware and with cognitive function. Marty is a wonderful, vibrant and funny young man of 49, trapped inside an immobile body and can only communicate via eye movements and a computerized device which he activates with small head movements. Imagine being a fully functioning human being trapped inside a motionless body ... unable to speak, eat, swallow or move! This could happen to anyone, regardless of age.

In spite of his insurance denying him at every step of this difficult journey, (including the rehabilitation he so desperately needs), Marty has begun to show some improvement. This is a result of only his family supporting him and fighting for him. If we can gather a community of friends to help round out the support he needs, his progress will be accelerated and unlimited. He needs daily, consistent therapy to make significant gains!

Marty's family seeks financial help in providing him the tools he will need on his road to recovery. These include: private pay therapy, an accessible residential environment and a van to transport Marty. Insurance won't pay for his therapy, but you can help make his recovery possible.

See Marty's Fund on Facebook.

Laxman Dusa: Fighting Locked-In Syndrome.

Laxman Dusa was a happily married, helping and humble person until he met his nemesis in "LOCKED-IN SYNDROME" that made him paralyzed in all his voluntary muscles. He suffered a major STROKE in his brain-stem due to a blood clot on Dec 9 2010.

He is an active mind trapped inside an unresponsive body constantly fighting, with his shear will-power and support from his family, friends and well-wishers.

He is currently undergoing Rehab Therapies in Mt. Sinai Rehab center.

Out of Locked-in Syndrome 2010 Neuro Film Festival

This film has been entered into the 2010 neuro film festival from the american academy of neurology foundation at www.neurofilmfestival.com. Let's put our brains together and support brain research! Out of locked-in syndrome.

A film by Andja & Vera Trifunovich, sisters & caregivers of Aleksandar Trifunovich, brain stem stroke survivor.

Utah Woman Emerges from Locked-In Syndrome

A Utah woman who suffered the nightmare of locked-in syndrome is thriving today, even though doctors recommended allowing her to die eight years ago.

Richard Marsh Talks About His Recovery from Locked-In Syndrome.

Richard Marsh talks about his recovery from locked-in syndrome. A stroke left former police officer Richard Marsh a prisoner in his own body - he had full cognitive awareness but an almost complete paralysis of all his muscles. Marsh had locked-in syndrome, a condition for which there is no treatment or cure. But four months later he had walked out of hospital. Here, he speaks about his experiences via Skype from his home in Napa Valley, California.