["Locked-in" syndrome in intensive care patients (author's transl)]

The "locked-in" syndrome constitutes a potential source of diagnostic and prognostic errors, especially in intensive care patients. The pathologicoanatomical, pathophysiological and clinical features of the syndrome are described and differentiated from other syndromes. Means of establishing contact are reviewed which would allow simple wishes on the part of the patient to be satisfied and thus prevent the psychic isolation of the (conscious) patient.