A new report reveals Emily Willis’ chances of recovery from a condition that resembles ‘locked-in’ syndrome after the former adult star suffered a serious health emergency and ended up in a coma. The retired adult star suffered a cardiac arrest back in February and doctors are saying she has a chance of recovery and there’s hope she can pull through.
As of now, Emily Willis is sadly unable to communicate after being in a coma for about two months, but an update on a GoFundMe page says there may be signs of recovery/responsiveness. Specifically, it mentioned “eye tracking, but still unable to communicate.” Doctors say her condition is similar to “locked-in” syndrome A report on Daily Star gave more insights on the potential of an Emily Willis recovery, quoting a doctor who talked about her chances.
The expert noted while most survivors remain chronically locked-in or severely impaired, there are instances of full or partial recovery. The doctor added that full recovery is seen in about 1/20 patients, with around 20-25% achieving some functional or partial recovery, such as regaining motor function or movement over time.
The doctor elaborated that “recovery varies” particularly based on the prognosis, age and rehabilitation. “Best prognosis in people who have locked-in syndrome is from more reversible causes, such as, infection, demyelination or nervous system disorders, or trauma vs other less reversible reasons like stroke or brain haemorrhages (vascular reasons),” they clarified, reports the Mirror US.
The reports further say that with her being younger, 26, that she has a better chance of recover. However, it’s a long road ahead if she’s able to make progress. She would have a lot of various forms of therapy, such as speech and physical therapy to relearn walking and work on speaking. The report on Daily Star talked more about that, saying the following:
“Younger age has a better outlook, and aggressive physical rehabilitation as soon as possible with physical, occupational, and speech therapy helps with recovery,” the medic continued. They further stated that some patients may regain independence in certain daily activities “including ability to eat by mouth and even speech” although the speech “may be dysarthric or slurred”.
The length of recovery is “hard to estimate” but for survivors who begin aggressive rehabilitation, recovery can occur “as soon as three to six months”.
