Locked-In Syndrome Due to Cerebellum Stroke

A stroke can have many side effects, some more severe than others. A stroke in the cerebellum may result in limited motor functions and disturbed balance. Severe cerebellum strokes, however, can cause locked-in syndrome.

Identification

• The cerebellum is the portion of the brain located at the lower back of the skull, just above the brain stem. It is responsible for muscle control, movement, coordination and balance, all of which is lost with locked-in syndrome.

Effects

• Although less common than strokes in other areas of the brain, strokes in the cerebellum causes severe damage depending on where the stroke occurs in the cerebellum. Common effects are coordination and balance problems (ataxia), dizziness (vertigo), headache, nausea and vomiting.

Features

• A person with locked-in syndrome is completely paralyzed except for muscles that control the eyes. He or she can think, but moving and speaking are not possible.

Results

• A severe stroke in the cerebellum disrupts a person’s ability to control muscle movement. Locked-in syndrome is a rare but serious result of a traumatic brain injury, such as a cerebellum stroke.

Prognosis

• There is no standard treatment for locked-in syndrome. Functional neuromuscular stimulation can be used to electrically stimulate muscle reflexes, but motor recovery is extremely limited and unlikely, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.