Pallidal DBS in Primary Dystonia: 5-Year Findings

The first large randomized trial of pallidal deep brain stimulation in primary generalized or segmental dystonia shows long-term benefit in the open-label extension trial out to 5 years.

Primary dystonia is an idiopathic movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions, repetitive twisting movements, or abnormal postures. When dystonia is severe and medications or botulinum toxin injections provide insufficient relief, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is considered an effective treatment option. Several studies have shown remarkable improvement (50%–80%) in motor symptoms within the first 6 to 12 months after surgery, but few studies (with mixed results) have demonstrated the long-term effect of globus pallidus internus (GPi) DBS in primary dystonia. To address the long-term effect of this therapy on motor symptoms, disability, and adverse events, researchers followed patients for 5 years who had participated in…

Reviewing Author

Jill L. Ostrem, MD