Locked-in Syndrome in a Nigerian male with Multiple Sclerosis: a Case Report and Literature Review

ABSTRACT

Background: Locked-in syndrome is an extremely difficult neurologic condition to recognize; especially by the non-specialists. A case of locked-in syndrome in a 41-year old Niger Deltan Nigerian with relapsing remitting form of multiple sclerosis (MS) is presented; including a detailed literature review. Patient and Case Report The patient was in a state of spastic quadriplegia; motionless and aphasic (mute); with the preservation of consciousness and the ability to open and blink the eyes and move them vertically. Two episodes of the disease; varying in duration; have been described. The diagnosis of MS was made from the history and the typical clinical presentation history of relapsing and remitting signs and clinical evidence of multi-focal involvement of the central nervous system. Conclusion Patient died at the age of 45 years; from pulmonary complications. This article may enhance easy recognition and management of the syndrome by all clinicians