Emily Willis diagnosed with locked-in syndrome after rehab incident, sues Summit Malibu

Former adult film star Emily Willis, 25, has been diagnosed with locked-in syndrome (LIS) following a cardiac arrest that occurred during her treatment for ketamine addiction at the Summit Malibu rehabilitation center.

The medical emergency, which left her with severe brain damage, has left Willis semi-conscious and unable to move or speak. Her family believes this condition could have been avoided if the rehab facility had adhered to proper medical protocols.

Locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where a patient loses almost all voluntary muscle control but remains fully aware of their surroundings.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the condition typically results from damage to the brainstem, particularly an area known as the pons. Patients with LIS can often move their eyes, which becomes their main form of communication.

Willis’ medical journey took a tragic turn on February 4, 2024, when a nurse practitioner at Summit Malibu discovered her unresponsive. The medical team performed CPR for 30 to 40 minutes before paramedics arrived, eventually managing to restore her heartbeat.

Unfortunately, the extended oxygen deprivation caused catastrophic damage to her brainstem, which experts believe led to the development of locked-in syndrome.

Despite regaining some level of consciousness, Willis is still unable to speak or move, relying solely on her eye movements to interact with others.

Her family has filed a lawsuit against Summit Malibu and its parent company, Malibu Lighthouse Treatment Centers, accusing them of neglect and insufficient medical care. The lawsuit claims that Willis’ health was ignored for days leading up to the cardiac arrest.

Her attorney, James A. Morris Jr., criticized Summit Malibu for failing to follow basic medical procedures during her treatment. "Had the staff followed standard medical procedures, Emily would have had the opportunity to regain control of her life," Morris said.

The lawsuit not only seeks justice for Willis but aims to raise awareness about the need for better standards in addiction treatment centers, particularly in how critical health issues are handled.

Willis’ family is determined to make sure that no other patient faces the same fate. "No patient should ever be subjected to such a horrendous breakdown in clinical care," Morris added.