Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
02:02
Full-Endoscopic Interlaminar Approach for Decompression of Lateral Recess Stenosis
Published on: February 24, 2023
Locked-in syndrome from rostro-caudal herniation.
Erin L Luxenberg1, Fernando D Goldenberg, Jeffrey I Frank
1Neurocritical Care and Acute Stroke Section, Departments of Neurology and Surgery (Neurosurgery), University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue MC 2030, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
Summary
Locked-in syndrome (LIS) from ventral pons compression, a rare cause, can fully resolve. This case highlights mechanical LIS mechanisms distinct from common ischemic causes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Locked-in syndrome (LIS) typically results from ventral pontine injury, often due to perforating pontine vessel ischemia.
- Recovery from LIS is infrequently reported, particularly when caused by non-ischemic mechanisms.
Observation:
- A patient developed acute LIS following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and hydrocephalus-induced rostro-caudal herniation.
- Clinical course and imaging suggested mechanical compression of the ventral pons against the clivus as the LIS etiology.
Findings:
- The patient experienced a slow but complete recovery from LIS.
- This recovery facilitated differentiation between mechanical compression and ischemic mechanisms in LIS.
Implications:
- Understanding mechanical LIS mechanisms can refine diagnosis and treatment strategies.
- This case expands the differential diagnosis for LIS, emphasizing non-ischemic causes.
