The results of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (Gpi) in six patients with generalized, focal, and segmental dystonia are presented. Pre- and postoperative assessments are given for one patient with generalized inherited dystonia and for five patients with idiopathic segmental or cervical dystonia. Clinical symptoms were evaluated before and 3-12 months after surgery using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden (BFM) dystonia rating scale for primary torsion dystonia and the Tsui scale for cervical dystonia. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was completed by each patient to document preoperative and postoperative health status. Also, neurological status was documented by video before and during chronic stimulation. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed to show the anatomical localization of the electrode leads. Five patients showed a progressive improvement within 7 days. One patient with cervical dystonia and Meige's syndrome showed no improvement for 3 months, but beneficial effects were observed after 12 months. On average, the BFM movement scale scores decreased by 72.5% and Tsui scale scores by 63%. SF-36 showed an improvement in health status by an average of 36% according to eight different health categories. We conclude that chronic high-frequency Gpi stimulation in different types of dystonia is a very effective and safe treatment.
Copyright 2002 Movement Disorder Society.