'Neurological conditions' explained as Emily Willis' lawyer issues update on her condition

Emily Willis' legal team has given an update on the star's health almost two years since she was left 'permanently disabled'.

The former adult industry star, now 26, suffered a cardiac arrest and fell into a 'vegetative coma' while staying at a California rehab center last February.

Willis had built up a large following after starring in more than 700 pornography videos, starting out in 2018.

In 2022, she retired from the industry after a four-year stint and turned her attention to mainstream acting instead.

But Willis is now 'permanently disabled' and is under the care of her mom, Yesenia Lara Cooper, in Utah.

Her family filed a lawsuit against her rehab center Summit Malibu earlier this year, accusing the healthcare providers of 'abuse of a dependent adult, professional negligence, negligence and fraudulent business practices' - claims of which the rehab center denies.

What is the latest update on Emily Willis?

Emily Willis was admitted to Malibu Summit on January 7, 2024 (Emily Willis/Instagram)

Willis' attorney, James A. Morris, of Morris Law Firm, told The Mirror US that Willis remains 'bedridden' due to her 'neurological injuries'.

He added that the former social media star is unable to speak, but makes 'audible sounds' and has 'limited body movements'.

She continued to be cared for by her mom.

On the family's court battle, he added: "Trial is set to take place in Santa Monica on May 6, 2026. We have additional hearings in February."

What is a neurological condition?

Neurological conditions impact the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

They can interfere with movement, thinking, and emotional regulation.

As per the Cleveland Clinic, there are five main types of neurological condition.

Neurological conditions affect the central nervous system (MagicMine/Getty Images)

These include the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), peripheral nervous system (nerves branching from the spinal cord), somatic system (controls voluntary movements) and the autonomic system (controls involuntary functions like breathing, heartbeat and digestion).

Because the nervous system controls most body functions, symptoms can vary widely from head, back and neck pain, to issues with movement like weakness, tremors, paralysis and coordination problems.

Other people might experience cognitive changes including memory loss, confusion and mood swings, or issues with speech, swelling, sleep and breathing.

Neurological conditions can be caused by genetic mutations, infections, tumors, stokes or injuries and trauma. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

What neurological condition does Emily Willis have?

The neurological condition Willis may have has not yet been confirmed or disclosed by her representatives.

It was previously reported Willis could be suffering from Locked-in Syndrome, a 'rare and serious' neurological disorder caused by brainstem damage.

Back in February, Morris confirmed Willis 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."

The neurological condition Willis may have has not yet been confirmed (Instagram/Emilywillisx3)

While commonly associated with a stroke, the syndrome has been linked to cardiac arrests, as they restrict the amount of oxygen and blood flow to the brain.

Dr Gareth Nye, Programme Lead for Medical Science at the University of Chester, previously told the Daily Star more about the condition.

"Locked-in Syndrome is essentially where a patient is aware of their surroundings and have full consciousness but cannot move or communicate verbally due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body, except for vertical eye movements and blinking," he explained.

"Some patients do retain some facial muscle movement and may retain some sensation in their limbs but crucially have no movement at all below the neck."

Sadly there is no cure for Locked-in Syndrome, meaning those who develop it might have it for years on end.

However, as patients are still conscious, they're still able to lead meaningful lives with the help of modern day technology that helps them to communicate with their loved ones through eye movements.