A patient with locked-in syndrome likely had an infarct in which part of the brain?

Locked-in syndrome is primarily associated with a specific type of brainstem stroke, which is most commonly caused by an infarct in the pons. This condition is characterized by complete paralysis of voluntary muscles, except for vertical eye movements and blinking, due to the damage to the neural pathways that control voluntary movements, while the individual remains fully conscious and aware.

The pons is part of the brainstem responsible for relaying signals between the cerebellum and the forebrain, as well as controlling many functions such as breathing and regulating sleep. When an infarct occurs in this area, it disrupts the pathways that facilitate movement, leading to the clinical manifestation of locked-in syndrome.

In contrast, other regions of the brain such as the cerebellum, frontal lobe, and temporal lobe are not typically associated with locked-in syndrome. The cerebellum primarily coordinates voluntary movements and balance but does not directly control the pathways impacted in locked-in syndrome. The frontal lobe is involved in higher cognitive functions, including reasoning and problem solving, while the temporal lobe is mainly responsible for processing auditory information and memory. Damage in these areas would lead to different neurological deficits rather than the classic symptoms seen in locked-in syndrome. Thus, the pons is