Locked-in Syndrome

Locked-in syndrome is a neurologic condition resulting from brainstem lesions, typically ventral pontine infarction. Patients present with quadriplegia and anarthria while retaining consciousness and vertical eye movement. Pathophysiology involves disruption of corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts. Diagnosis is clinical, confirmed with neuroimaging. Management is supportive, including communication aids, respiratory care, and rehabilitation; prognosis depends on lesion etiology and early supportive interventions.