Augmentative and Assistive Communication in Patients of Locked-In Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Locked-in syndrome (LIS) is a catastrophic condition caused most often by ischemic stroke or hemorrhage, affecting the corticospinal, corticopontine, and corticobulbar tracts in the brainstem. We present a case of a Locked-in Syndrome patient who received communication training with augmentative and alternative communication equipment. The patient was initially given a trial of the basic Dynavox Assistive technology device after which she graduated to using the Tobii C 12 device. The patient’s limited use of her right upper extremity in the form of being able to operate a light writer switch with her thumb aided her use of these devices. The patient was later introduced to the Mega-bee which eliminated the use of a switch as it required only the use of eye-blinks to communicate. At the end of her 2 month stay at the rehab facility she was able to efficiently use the Mega-Bee device and improved tremendously in her communication. Augmentative and alternative communication equipment helps patients of locked-in syndrome to interact with their environment and plays a big role in their recovery.