Locked-in Syndrome

Disabled patients could “mind-meld” with robots

Jared Yee | 09 September 2011

A new, noninvasive method for recording patterns of brain activity could give “locked-in” patients – the ability to interact with others and even give the impression of being physically present with friends and family.

Most locked-in patients are happy, study finds

Michael Cook | 26 February 2011

What medical condition would definitely make life not worth living? At the top of most people’s lists would be locked-in syndrome: complete paralysis and inability to communicate other than by blinking. Surprisingly, though, the largest-ever survey of chronic LIS patients has found that only 28% were unhappy. Very few of them were interested in euthanasia – only 7% -- or had suicidal thoughts.

Sniff detector” could allow locked-in patients to communicate by breathing

Jared Yee | 07 August 2010

Sniffs are a “good, fast trigger”