Ghost Boy

Every year many people are diagnosed in a PVS or locked-in syndrome. PVS Is a disorder of consciousness in which patients with severe brain damage are in a state of partial arousal rather than true awareness. On the other hand locked-in syndrome is a medical condition, that usually results from a stroke that damages part of the brainstem, in which the body and most of the facial muscles are paralyzed but consciousness remains and the ability to perform certain eye movements is preserved. They differ due to the fact that one who is diagnosed as being in a PVS has no conscious mind while one diagnosed with locked-in syndrome is conscious. No matter the similarities or differences, PVS and locked-in syndrome are both devastating conditions that …show more content…
Martin was a normal boy up until the age of twelve. At the age of twelve Martin was misdiagnosed as being in a PVS state, when in fact he was locked-in. For this reason, no one realized that he was aware of the things taking place around him. After reading the excerpt from “Ghost Boy,” I felt that I truly had a better grasp of “locked in syndrome” and how one’s everyday life, family, and even mentality can be affected by …show more content…
If my life were in the hands of my family I would not want to put them in a situation where they would have to try to make a decision that they think is best for me. If anything, I would have my wishes written down so that I get what I want without putting the responsibility of my health on my family. In the end, whether or not you have a plan of action for yourself, both PVS and locked-in syndrome are devastating. Many times those who are diagnosed being in either state are dead within a certain period of