Abstract
We studied four men, each of whom survived over 3 years after being "locked-in" owing to pontine infarction. Their pontine lesions were evident with magnetic resonance imaging, but not with computed tomography. All showed a characteristic pattern of recovery from the motor deficit with rapid return of eye-hand control and slow but sustained limb improvement. Despite pseudobulbar affect, all made an emotion adjustment to their severe deficits and showed a strong desire to live. Physicians should be aware of the special needs and methods for rehabilitation of patients who are clinically "locked-in."
