Chronic 'locked-in' syndrome: psychological study of a case.

We describe a 31-year-old man who has been living in a 'locked-in' condition for the past 12 years. Extensive testing, using both the patient's residual eye movements and a writing apparatus, showed preserved cognitive abilities in spite of the long-standing de-efferentation. The emotional consequences of this condition are discussed in relation with the results of personality testing.