Prognosis
The prognosis for existing locked-in syndrome is generally poor. It is a serious disease of the nervous system, which is extremely sensitive and heals only slowly. An improvement of the symptoms can only begin after weeks or months, which requires the patience of the patient, relatives and the treating staff.
Intensive treatment can improve the symptoms, but a complete cure is unlikely. In most cases, residual symptoms persist and patients learn to live with them. Especially the ability to speak has good regression tendencies. The mortality rate is significantly increased in locked-in patients, which is partly due to secondary diseases related to immobility.
Healing
Complete cure of Locked-In-Syndrome is unlikely. An improvement of the symptoms can be achieved by complex and above all protracted therapeutic measures. In contrast to the waking coma, however, the chance of an approximate cure is better.
Patients who have been in the state of Locked-in-Syndrome for a longer period of time already experience a significant healing success by regaining the ability to speak and swallow, as these abilities mean a big step towards independence. The healing process takes a very long time and should be combined with a gradual reintegration into professional and especially social life.