Communicating with the “locked-in” patient Because you can do it, should you?

摘要: It is a clinical truism that ALS degenerative disease of motor neurons. However, other neuronal populations also degenerate. For example, many patients develop abnormal frontal lobe executive function or frank frontotemporal dementia (FTD).1 Another certain nuclei are spared in ALS, namely, those control the extraocular muscles and urethral anal sphincters. Eventually, who maintained on long-term mechanical ventilation paralysis become “totally locked in” (TLI).2 Such unable to move incapable communicating with their external environment. In total absence function, communication may be possible through manipulation physiologic functions. Wilhelm et al. this issue report attempt communicate TLI patient …