An Introduction of Communication Aid and Environmental Control System for a Locked-in Syndrome

Abstract

A 56-year-old male with pontine bleeding showing locked-in syndrome was admitted to our hospital. As his only reliable motor functions consisted of vertical eye movement, eye closing and opening (blinking) movements, these retained movements had to be used for communication. A communication aid was used, taking advantage of the blinking eye movements that the patients could perform. The training with the communication aid and environmental control system was continued at home after discharge. The burden reduction of the caregiver, and the improvement of the patient's QOL were achieved.