Giving a Voice to those Living with Locked-In Syndrome

Giving a Voice to those Living with Locked-In Syndrome is a unique book that provides a way for the life experiences of people living with Locked-In Syndrome (LiS) to be heard. It combines the personal experiences of those living locked-in, with the biomedical aspects of LiS, including how it is diagnosed and treated, and the technology, such as eye-tracking devices and brain/computer interfaces, enabling those living with LiS to communicate.

By highlighting both the positive and the negative elements of living with LiS, the book aims to encourage change, wherever it is needed in the field of LiS, to guide future diagnostic techniques and enable better, compassionate and appropriate care. Most importantly the book focuses on the moving autobiographies of people living locked-in. These personal accounts show their lives before becoming locked-in; their experiences during the illness or accident that resulted in LiS; how they came to terms mentally, emotionally and physically with their complete change in lifestyle; how those around them, their partners, family, friends and colleagues, adjusted; what is helpful to them and what is frustrating; and finally, their hopes for the future. Autobiographies are drawn from authors all over the globe, allowing readers insights into how LiS is dealt with in different countries, in terms of treatment, care and funding.

It is valuable reading for all professionals working in the brain injury field, including neuropsychologists and those in the caring professions, as well as students in these fields. It will also be relevant for IT students and those working with new technologies.

All royalty payments for this book are going to Mind Care International Foundation, a charity that provides information and support to the patients and their families after brain injury.