The locked-in plus syndrome

Background: There has been discussion about the nomenclature and examination protocols of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) and related syndromes, as the locked-in syndrome (LIS). As publications increase finding brain responses to external stimuli, using fMRI or EEG, in these patients, there is need for a diagnosis scheme which best suits these patients. Locked-in-plus syndrome (LIPS) is proposed as a category for patients who show typical signs of LIS combined with DOC.