[The locked-in-syndrome (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by severe paralysis while maintaining cognitive function.
• Commonly caused by ventral pons infarcts, often due to vertebral or basilar artery occlusion.

Observation:

• Two cases illustrate challenges in diagnosing locked-in syndrome.
• Patients exhibit total loss of voluntary movement, sparing only vertical eye movements and eye closure.
• Preserved vigilance can be mistaken for cerebral coma due to the profound motor deficit.

Findings:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) is a vital diagnostic tool for differentiating locked-in syndrome from coma.
• Identifying the specific cause, such as arterial occlusion, aids in understanding the pathophysiology.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of locked-in syndrome is critical for appropriate patient management and care.
• Understanding the neurological basis can guide future therapeutic strategies.
• Highlights the importance of considering locked-in syndrome in patients with apparent coma and preserved consciousness.