What condition can result from a basilar artery infarct in the brainstem?

Locked-in syndrome results from a basilar artery infarct in the brainstem, specifically due to damage to the pons, which is responsible for relaying signals between the cortex and the body. In locked-in syndrome, patients experience complete paralysis of voluntary muscles except for eye movements, while cognitive function remains intact. This condition is characterized by the inability to speak or move, making communication extremely challenging, but patients often retain awareness of their surroundings and can sometimes communicate through eye movements.

The infarct in the basilar artery disrupts blood flow to crucial areas of the brainstem, leading to the specific motor deficits seen in locked-in syndrome. Understanding this condition ties into the broader study of neuroanatomy and the significance of brainstem structures in motor control and consciousness.