A rare sequela of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

[locked-in syndrome]

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is a demyelinating disease , typically occurring in children following a febrile infection or a vaccination . Primary and secondary immune responses contribute to inflammation and subsequent demyelination , but the exact pathogenesis is still unknown . Diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis is strongly suggested by temporal relationship between an infection or an immunization and the onset of neurological symptoms . Biopsy is definitive . In general , the disease is self-limiting and the prognostic outcome is favorable with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents . Locked-in syndrome describes patients who are awake and conscious but have no means of producing limb , speech , or facial movements . Locked-in syndrome is a rare complication of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis . We present a case of incomplete locked-in syndrome occurring in a 34 -year -old male secondary to acute disseminated encephalomyelitis . Our case is unique , as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis occurred in a 34 -year -old which was poorly responsive to immunosuppression resulting in severe disability .