Life-threatening dystonia-dyskinesias in a child: successful treatment with bilateral pallidal stimulation

Mov Disord. 2000 Sep;15(5):1010-2. doi: 10.1002/1531-8257(200009)15:5<1010::aid-mds1039>3.0.co;2-5.

Abstract

We report a 13-year-old boy who developed severe, refractory dystonia-dyskinesias as an abrupt worsening of a previously nonprogressive movement disorder. The movements became continuous, requiring artificial respiration and continuous sedation in the intensive-care unit. Various drugs and drug combinations failed to achieve control. The child was then treated successfully with bilateral pallidal (GPi) stimulation as shown in the videotape. Four months later and without medication, the boy regained autonomous gait and audible speech; his neurologic condition continues to improve.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dysarthria / etiology
  • Dyskinesias / etiology
  • Dystonic Disorders / complications
  • Dystonic Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Dystonic Disorders / therapy*
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Globus Pallidus* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stereotaxic Techniques
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Videotape Recording