Locked-In Syndrome
Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by complete paralysis of voluntary muscles in all parts of the body except for those that control eye movement. It may result from traumatic brain injury, diseases of the circulatory system, diseases that destroy the myelin sheath surrounding nerve cells, or medication overdose.
Individuals with locked-in syndrome are conscious and can think and reason, but are unable to speak or move. The disorder leaves individuals completely mute and paralyzed. Communication may be possible with blinking eye movements.
While the cause of Locked-In syndrome is not known, you can use the same approach to the patient shown on The First Steps. Communication, even though it's only through eye movement, is actually a wonderful advantage to being in a non-communicative comatose state. Be sure to ask the patient before doing anything. They may have a heightened sense of touch or hearing or may not be able to hear you very well. Ask and be patient.
Although this condition may seem worse, being able to communicate with the patient is a huge plus and gives you the ability to establish a conversation with the patient.