a state in which the pts fully aware but de-efferented → paralysis of limbs and the lower cranial nerves, can't respond.
Often mistaken for coma; Pts are actually cognitively normal
Pontine damage leads to a interrupted outflow of corticospinal and corticobulbar fibers
Pts are paralyzed and can only move their eyes; always✓ in comatose pts to open/close their eyes or move their eyes first.
Complete motor paralysis, seemingly unresponsive.
Ventral pontine or midbrain lesions involving corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts.
Blinks and vertical eye movements may be preserved.
RAS spared