It says it can be caused by strokes or injuries. I know all about the strokes. But what kinda of injuries can cause locked-in syndrome? From Merck:
http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns...
The locked-in state is a rare condition in which people are conscious and able to think but are so severely paralyzed that they can communicate only by opening and closing the eyes in response to questions. The locked-in state can be caused by severe paralysis of peripheral nerves or by strokes that affect the brain stem but not the cerebrum.
Some Causes of Stupor and Coma
Cause
Comments
Head injury Head injuries, such as concussions, cuts, and bruises, can directly damage brain tissue or cause bleeding in or around the brain. Blood may directly damage brain tissue or may accumulate, producing a hematoma, which puts pressure on the brain. Coma may develop immediately or gradually over several hours. Depending on the severity of the injury, the coma may be short or may persist until death.
Cardiac arrest (sudden stopping of the heart's pumping) In cardiac arrest, blood does not reach the brain, and brain tissue dies because it is deprived of oxygen. Complete oxygen deprivation for only a few minutes can damage the brain irreversibly. Coma results immediately and may soon become irreversible, depending on the how long the heart is stopped and how extensive the brain damage is.
Brain tumor or abscess A large mass can push the brain against relatively rigid structures inside the skull, thereby causing dysfunction. Coma results when the part of the brain stem that controls levels of consciousness is damaged.
Aneurysm (a bulge in a weakened area of an artery wall) An aneurysm near the brain can bleed. Blood may directly damage brain tissue or cause pressure within the skull to increase rapidly, reducing blood flow to the brain. Coma may result.
Infections Infections of the brain, such as encephalitis and meningitis, and other infections that produce high fevers, such as sepsis, can affect brain function and lead to coma.
Severe lung disorders Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary embolism sometimes cause breathing to stop. Coma results because the brain does not receive enough oxygen.
Inhalation of large amounts of carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide attaches to the hemoglobin of red blood cells and prevents them from carrying oxygen. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning can cause coma or irreversible brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
Strokes affecting the brain stem If blood flow to part of the brain stem is blocked, sudden loss of consciousness and coma can result. If blood flow to the entire brain stem is blocked, death results.
Seizures Coma can result when a person has recurring seizures and does not regain consciousness between them. Such a coma is life-threatening.
Toxic effects of drugs Many drugs (such as barbiturates and opioids including morphine) can cause coma. Overdose with drugs such as sedatives (for example, diazepam) can cause coma. If treated early, this type of coma is completely reversible. Use of illicit drugs can cause delirium, seizures, and coma.
Alcohol intoxication Alcohol intoxication can cause stupor or coma, especially when the blood alcohol level exceeds 0.2%.
Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) Untreated hypothyroidism may cause mental confusion, which may progress to stupor and coma.
Liver encephalopathy or failure These disorders can lead to the buildup of toxic waste products in the blood, resulting in coma. Coma that results from chronic liver failure is usually reversible. Coma that results from acute, severe liver failure causes fluid accumulation in the brain (cerebral edema) and is often fatal.
Kidney failure Kidney failure can lead to the buildup of toxic waste products in the blood and results in coma unless dialysis is performed.
Low or high blood sugar levels An abnormally low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) can cause coma. Immediate treatment with glucose, given intravenously, prevents permanent brain damage. An abnormally high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) makes the blood syrupy and draws fluid from the brain, causing stupor or coma.
Low or high level of blood sodium A low blood sodium level (hyponatremia), usually due to overhydration, or a high blood sodium level (hypernatremia), usually due to dehydration, interferes with the metabolic activity of the brain. Seizures and coma can result.
Low or high body temperature A body temperature below 88掳 F (31.1掳 C) slows brain function to a level of stupor or coma. A very high fever (above 108掳 F [42.2掳 C]) can damage the brain and cause coma, as may occur in heatstroke. |
