Locked-in syndrome: a catastrophic complication after surgery.

Breen, P; Hannon, V · Br J Anaesth · 2004

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

We describe the locked-in syndrome in a 31-yr-old patient after right upper lobectomy for suspected metastasis. After surgery, vertical eye movement was her only means of communication. She remained in a 'locked-in' state for 7 months before dying. Post-mortem examination showed extensive metastatic tumour deposition in the ventral pons. We discuss the clinical features of this syndrome and factors that may affect onset, diagnosis and management.

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