Locked-in syndrome in a child with tubercular meningitis

Abstract

Locked-in syndrome (LIS) is one of the ventral pontine syndromes and is rare in childhood. The commonest cause in adults is basilar artery stroke. Central nervous system tuberculosis causing LIS is extremely rare. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with classical LIS due to tubercular meningitis with magnetic resonance imaging findings suggestive of demyelination in the midbrain, cerebral peduncles and posterior superior pons bilaterally. Over the following months, he showed remarkable recovery and was able to walk without assistance, feed himself, and speak.

Keywords

Locked-in syndrome - tubercular meningitis