What locked-in syndrome could mean for Emily Willis as family await diagnosis

A doctor has explained exactly what locked-in syndrome could mean for Emily Willis as her family wait on medical testing results to confirm her condition.

Willis - real name Litzy Lara Banuelos - was a major figure in the adult industry, having starred in more than 700 films between the ages of 19 and 23.

Quitting the industry around two years ago, she instead had dreams of pursuing a career in film.

However, Willis was taking up to 6g of ketamine every day and was admitted to Malibu Summit rehab center last January.

There, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was left without a heartbeat for thirty to forty minutes.

Experts thought Emily Willis could be suffering from 'locked-in syndrome' (emilywillisx3/Instagram)

In a vegetative coma for two months, she is now 'permanently disabled,' a lawsuit filed by her family claims.

While she can now make 'outward noise' and some 'movements', health experts previously reckoned the star could be suffering from locked-in syndrome.

What is locked-in syndrome?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, locked-in syndrome is 'a rare disorder of the nervous system'.

It causes paralysis 'except for the muscles that control eye movement,' meaning people can neither move nor speak.

Those with the disorder are conscious and aware - so can still 'think and reason' - and some can communicate with blinking eye movements though.

What is Emily Willis' prognosis?

Willis was admitted to Malibu Summit on January 27, 2024 (emilywillisx3/Instagram)

Earlier this month, Willis' attorney, James A. Morris, of Morris Law Firm, clarified that the social media star hadn't yet been diagnosed with locked-in syndrome.

"I will preface that by saying we have not received the medical records [...] yet," he told the Daily Star. "But yes, we are investigating that and drilling down on that. We are aware that it is certainly a possibility."

Elsewhere, board medical doctor, Dr. Marchelle Hofeldt shared her thoughts on Willis' prognosis following Morris' health update.

Speaking to the Mirror US, she said: "Willis' prognosis likely remains poor as most survivors of locked-in syndrome remain either locked in or severely impaired.

"It is also not unusual for them to groan or even have involuntary limb movements."

She continued: "Prognosis is dependent on extent and location of brain and nervous system damage. In her case, only time will tell and our thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family."

The former adult star was pursuing a career in film (emilywillisx3/Instagram)

Previously, Hofeldt told the publication that while 'most survivors of locked-in syndrome remain chronically locked- in or severely impaired,'some people have fully and partially recovered from the condition.

And in his update, Morris told the press: "[Willis'] physical condition is not good, her mental condition is unknown, but she's still here. I think that in and of itself says something about her resilience and her desire to live.

"And with modern medicine and the advances that we have in science, we can all hope that Litzy gets back to the functioning level that makes her life worthwhile."

UNILAD has previously contacted Summit Malibu for comment.