A case of locked-in syndrome complicated by central deafness.

TitleA case of locked-in syndrome complicated by central deafness.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsSmart, Colette M., Giacino Joseph T., Cullen Tara, Moreno Diana Rodriguez, Hirsch Joy, Schiff Nicholas D., and Gizzi Martin
JournalNat Clin Pract Neurol
Volume4
Issue8
Pagination448-53
Date Published2008 Aug
ISSN1745-8358
KeywordsCerebral Hemorrhage, Hearing Loss, Central, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Pons, Quadriplegia
Abstract

BACKGROUND: A 53-year-old male with a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and factor V deficiency presented to an emergency room with progressively increasing headache, slurred speech, and left upper extremity weakness. Over the previous 3 months, he had been receiving warfarin for prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis following knee surgery. After presentation and an initial period of coma, he became tetraplegic and anarthric, requiring intubation and ventilatory assistance.

INVESTIGATIONS: Neurological examination, CT scan, electroencephalogram, brainstem auditory and visual evoked potential studies, neuropsychological assessment and functional MRI studies.

DIAGNOSIS: Locked-in syndrome following ventral pontine hemorrhage, complicated by central deafness secondary to extension of the lesion to the inferior colliculus.

MANAGEMENT: Development of an augmentative communication system designed to exploit the patient's preserved cognitive and motor functions.

DOI10.1038/ncpneuro0823
Alternate JournalNat Clin Pract Neurol
PubMed ID18506168
Grant ListH133A070030 / / PHS HHS / United States

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