Locked-in: conscious within a body that cannot move

In locked-in syndrome (LIS), the cause of which is most frequently a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) in the region of the cerebral trunk, the patient retains consciousness within a body that cannot move. Locked-in syndrome takes three forms: classic LIS, in which the motor ability of the patient is limited to a vertical movement of the eyes and the ability to blink one’s eyelids; partial LIS, in which there is some residual voluntary ability to move the limbs; and finally, total LIS, in which no movement at all is possible, not even movement of the eyes.

In classic LIS, eye blinking and vertical eye movement are the only means of communicating with patients. Today, informatics, domotics, and the implantation of cerebral electrodes (an experimental technique) help patients express their thoughts.