The locked-in syndrome: a syndrome looking for a therapy

A review of the scientific literature on locked-in syndrome (LIS) is offered. The clinical features, diagnosis and prognosis of LIS are reviewed, and methods regarding the differential diagnosis of LIS with severe disorders of consciousness are considered. Effective treatment, physiotherapy, and met...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain injury 2002-07, Vol.16 (7), p.555-569
Main Authors: LEON-CARRION, José, VAN EECKHOUT, Philippe, DOMINGUEZ-MORALES, Maria Del
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Bromocriptine - therapeutic use
Consciousness Disorders - diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Disorders of higher nervous function. Focal brain diseases. Central vestibular syndrome and deafness. Brain stem syndromes
Dopamine Agonists - therapeutic use
Humans
Medical sciences
Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes)
Neurology
Physical Therapy Modalities
Quadriplegia - diagnosis
Quadriplegia - therapy
Respiration, Artificial
Speech Therapy
Trachea - surgery
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
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Description
Summary:A review of the scientific literature on locked-in syndrome (LIS) is offered. The clinical features, diagnosis and prognosis of LIS are reviewed, and methods regarding the differential diagnosis of LIS with severe disorders of consciousness are considered. Effective treatment, physiotherapy, and methods of communication are reviewed. Although progress in the field of communication for patients with LIS is promising, it is concluded that there are new possibilities to be pursued and that a more positive outlook in the area of professional care of the patients, as well as more extensive imaginative research will facilitate new and positive strategies for this syndrome.
ISSN:0269-9052
1362-301X
DOI:10.1080/02699050110119466