Emily Willis, a former star in adult films, has been facing a critical health issue after being taken to the hospital for an emergency medical situation.
The incident drew significant attention when it was revealed that she had been hospitalized urgently.
Concerns among fans grew as medical professionals indicated she ‘may never move again’ while they continue to investigate the underlying problem.
Earlier in the year, Willis experienced an unexpected cardiac arrest, resulting in an eight-day rehabilitation stay, as reported by her stepfather, Michael.
In May, she emerged from a ‘vegetative coma,’ but has since been unable to move, relying only on eye movements to track objects.
Dr. Gareth Nye, Programme Lead for Medical Science at the University of Chester in the UK, suggests her condition could be ‘locked-in syndrome’.
Locked-in syndrome is classified into three types: classic, incomplete, and complete. These types represent varying degrees and ranges of movement, from being aware but unable to move facial muscles apart from eye movements, to total paralysis including eye movements.
Individuals with this condition may experience total body paralysis while remaining fully conscious and retaining normal cognitive functions.
However, there is a new perspective on Willis’ potential for recovery from a health expert.
An unnamed board-certified health expert discussed with the Mirror the possibilities of Willis’s recovery if she indeed has locked-in syndrome.
They mentioned that although the condition can be highly debilitating, there are cases of individuals making complete or partial recoveries.
The expert stated: “The numbers vary depending on the study but full recovery can be seen in about 1/20 patients.”
They added that the percentage of individuals who experience ‘some good functional recovery or partial recovery’, such as regaining certain motor functions or movement over time, is estimated to be around 20-25 percent.
However, recovery rates depend on various factors including prognosis, age, and the pace of rehabilitation.
They further explained: “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 hemorrhages (vascular reasons).
“Younger age has a better outlook, and aggressive physical rehabilitation as soon as possible with physical, occupational, and speech therapy helps with recovery.”