Locked-in syndrome is an unusual neurological condition stemming from damage to the pons i.e., a region of the brainstem carrying nerve fibers that transmit information to other parts of the brain. As a result, all voluntary muscles, except for those that control eye movement, are completely paralyzed.
Locked-in syndrome can arise from brain stem stroke, acute brain injury, multiple sclerosis, tumors, infections, circulatory diseases, drug overdoses, etc.
People who have locked-in syndrome typically are unable to chew, swallow, breathe, talk, or move in any way willingly or consciously. However, they can communicate by blinking or by moving their eyes deliberately. People with the condition are immobile and entirely dependent on caretakers.
The cognitive performance of the patients with locked-in syndrome remains unharmed regardless of physical paralysis as they are fully aware and conscious of their surroundings. They have intact sleep-wake patterns and the ability to hear and see. They can understand what is being read to them or spoken to them.
At Real Care Health Services, we consult with the families of locked-in syndrome patients to create comprehensive care and support plans that are true to the client’s overall needs. Whether you want care in terms of any medical equipment at your home to help your loved one in breathing or feeding (such as tracheotomy or gastrostomy), to set up an eye-coded communication, to rehabilitate by providing support therapies for the sake of recovering small voluntary movements, or to open doors for interaction using other assistive technologies, we will provide what suits best for you and your loved one with the guarantee of quality and expertise to handle any upcoming situation.
