The Most Terrifying Neurological Condition: Locked-In Syndrome
There are plenty of things that can go wrong in your brain, but one neurologist recently revealed "the most terrifying neurological condition" he’s ever seen.
What is Locked-In Syndrome?
People with locked-in syndrome (LIS) can feel totally normal on the inside — but on the outside, their lives are changed forever. Dr. Bing, a neurologist, described LIS as "terrifying" because you’re fully conscious but can’t move or communicate. "Imagine being fully aware, able to feel everything, hear everything and see everything, and able to think clearly — but completely unable to move or speak, and only able to blink and move your eyes up and down," he said.
Causes and Symptoms
Locked-in syndrome is caused by damage to a specific part of the brain stem, most commonly due to injuries like strokes, demyelinating disease, and other traumatic injuries. People with LIS are completely conscious but unable to do anything other than move their eyes or blink. They often need a tracheotomy to help them breathe, as well as a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) to ingest food and water. The paralysis means they can’t speak or communicate, and don’t even have the ability to react to pain — all of which can make LIS difficult to diagnose, and some people suffering from the condition have been mistakenly declared brain dead.
A Personal Story
Jake Haendel, a 36-year-old man, was diagnosed with a rare terminal brain illness. He deteriorated quickly into what appeared to be a vegetative state, and one day listened in as doctors described him as "brain dead." "I heard them say I was brain dead and it’s time to start considering withdrawing life support," he told People. "I was contemplating, am I brain dead? How can I think, how do I have memories? So even though I was having those thoughts that this is going to be over soon, I was like, ‘Oh, don’t do that, I’m still in here.’"
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of locked-in syndrome involves conducting several tests, including MRIs and EEGs. It’s extremely rare, impacting just 1% of stroke victims, but it also has no cure — and while some patients can sometimes recover some motor functions, making a full recovery is highly unlikely. Jake was one of those exceptions: Doctors eventually figured out that he was still conscious, and through a "very grueling, slow process," he’s been able to relearn how to talk and move.
Conclusion
Locked-in syndrome is a terrifying condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age. While it’s extremely rare, it’s essential to take brain health seriously and take steps to prevent strokes and other injuries. By getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining a diet rich in vitamins and fiber, and learning new things, you can help keep your brain healthy and reduce the risk of developing this condition.
FAQs
Q: What is locked-in syndrome?
A: Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological condition where a person is fully conscious but unable to move or communicate.
Q: What causes locked-in syndrome?
A: Locked-in syndrome is caused by damage to a specific part of the brain stem, most commonly due to injuries like strokes, demyelinating disease, and other traumatic injuries.
Q: How is locked-in syndrome diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis of locked-in syndrome involves conducting several tests, including MRIs and EEGs.
Q: Is there a cure for locked-in syndrome?
A: There is no cure for locked-in syndrome, but some patients can sometimes recover some motor functions.
Q: How common is locked-in syndrome?
A: Locked-in syndrome is extremely rare, impacting just 1% of stroke victims.
