Augmentative and Alternative Communication Training Using Eye Blink Switch for Locked-in Syndrome Patient.
10.5535/arm.2012.36.2.268
- Author:
Si Woon PARK
1
;
You lim YIM
;
Sook hee YI
;
Hyun young KIM
;
Seung min JUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul 142-884, Korea. drwgy@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Augmentative and alternative communications systems;
Communication aids for handicapped;
Locked-in syndrom
- MeSH:
Communication Aids for Disabled;
Cranial Nerves;
Eye;
Eyelids;
Humans;
Mutism;
Paralysis;
Quadriplegia;
Stroke
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
2012;36(2):268-272
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Locked-in Syndrome is a severe pontine stroke causing quadriplegia, lower cranial nerve paralysis, and mutism with preservation of only vertical gaze and upper eyelid movement in a conscious patient. We present a case of a Locked-in Syndrome patient who received communication training with augmentative and alternative communication equipment by using eye blinks. After 3 weeks of training, the patient was able to make an attempt to interact with other people, and associate a new word by Korean alphabet selection. Augmentative and alternative communication equipment which uses eye blinks might be considered to be beneficial in improving the communication skills of locked-in syndrome patients.
