Immobilization Syndrome: Root Causes, Possible Recovery, and Manifested Symptoms
Locked-in Syndrome (LIS), a severe neurological condition characterised by near-total paralysis and preserved cognitive function, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarities with conditions like coma, persistent vegetative state, akinetic mutism, catatonia, brain death, and cervical spinal cord injury.
The underlying causes and consequences of LIS lead to several related conditions. Brain stem strokes, particularly ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, are a leading cause of LIS. Stroke-related complications include difficulty breathing, swallowing, moving limbs, and eye movement disorders.
Another condition associated with LIS is Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA), a neurological condition marked by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of laughing or crying that are disproportionate to actual emotions. This occurs when brain injury disrupts emotional control pathways.
Prolonged immobility related to LIS can lead to physical complications such as deep vein thrombosis, aspiration pneumonia, skin problems, general muscle weakness, and risks of falls or accidents.
Other causes or contributors of LIS include traumatic brain injury, tumors, and circulatory system diseases that damage the brain stem.
Despite the challenges, comprehensive care for LIS addresses both neurological impairment and complications from paralysis. The aims of treatment include establishing communication, maintaining voluntary respiratory muscle function, and early rehabilitation of small voluntary movements.
While LIS is a lifelong condition for most people, many can still lead meaningful lives and have a satisfactory quality of life. The survival rate of LIS has improved over the years, with some people living 10 years after the onset of the disease.
Recovery from LIS depends on its underlying cause, and partial to complete recovery is possible for reversible causes like Guillain-Barre syndrome and transient stroke. Early recovery of lateral eye movements and electrical activity in the motor cortex in response to magnetic stimulation predicts a favorable outlook.
People with LIS due to reversible causes may have partial to complete recovery, and electronic communication devices can enable them to communicate in some form, even in cases of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
A person with LIS may require a tracheostomy tube for breathing and a gastrostomy tube for feeding and drinking. Coordinating with the medical team to prevent infections and other complications associated with LIS is essential.
In a study, around 60% of people with LIS stated they were able to use an electric-powered wheelchair, which gave them some autonomy. While full recovery is unlikely, a study found that most people with LIS recovered some functional movement and non-eye-dependent communication over time.
People with a higher risk of stroke may have a greater likelihood of developing LIS. Thus, it is crucial to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of stroke and manage LIS effectively.
Following the text, it can be assumed that LIS (Locked-in Syndrome) can be associated with other neurological disorders due to shared causes, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and traumatic brain injury. Also, stroke-related complications, including Pseudobulbar Affect, are medical-conditions associated with LIS. Additionally, health-and-wellness concerns can arise from LIS, with complications like deep vein thrombosis, aspiration pneumonia, and skin problems, all being part of the spectrum of neurological-disorders related to LIS.
