Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation in Primary Cervical Dystonia with Phasic Type : Clinical Outcome and Postoperative Course

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze in detail the relationship between outcome and time course of effect in medically refractory primary cervical dystonia (CD) with phasic type that was treated by bilateral globus pallidus internus (Gpi) deep brain stimulation (DBS). METHODS: Six patients underwent bilateral implantation of DBS into the Gpi under the guide of microelectrode recording and were followed for 18.7 +/- 11.1 months. The mean duration of the CD was 5.8 +/- 3.4 years. The mean age at time of surgery was 54.2 +/- 10.2 years. Patients were evaluated with the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) and relief scale using patient self-reporting. RESULTS: The TWSTRS total scores improved by 64.5%, 65.5%, 75.8%, and 76.0% at 3, 6, 12 months, and at the last available follow-up after surgery, respectively. Statistically significant improvements in the TWSTRS scores were observed 3 months after surgery (p = 0.028) with gradual improvement up to 12 months after surgery, thereafter, the improvement was sustained. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the scores at 3 and 12 months. Subjective improvement reported averaged 81.7 +/- 6.8% at last follow-up. Mild dysarthria, the most frequent adverse event, occurred in 3 patients. Conclusions: Our results show that the bilateral Gpi-DBS can offer a significant therapeutic effect from 3 months postoperatively in patients with primary CD with phasic type, without significant side effects.

Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Area for Dystonic Tremor

The stereotactic surgical target for dystonic tremor is the subject of ongoing debate. Targeting the subthalamic area using deep brain stimulation has been regaining interest as a therapy for various types of involuntary movements. We describe the efficacy of stimulation of the subthalamic area in a patient with intractable dystonic tremor. Excellent control without neurological complications was achieved. This case report demonstrates that the subthalamic area is a valuable target for the control of dystonic tremor.