When thought content and arousal level are intact but a patient cannot communicate, the patient has:
A) cerebral death.
B) locked-in syndrome.
C) dysphagia.
D) cerebellar motor syndrome.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Locked-in syndrome is a condition in which a patient is fully conscious and awake but cannot communicate due to paralysis of almost all voluntary muscles, except for the ocular muscles. The thought content and arousal level are intact in this condition, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or cerebellar motor syndrome (affecting coordination and balance) may or may not be present. Cerebral death is a term used to describe the irreversible loss of brain function, and is not applicable in this scenario.

When Thought Content and Arousal Level Are Intact but a Patient