Effects of pulse width variations in pallidal stimulation for primary generalized dystonia

Deep brain stimulation in dystonia: factors contributing to variability in outcome in short and long term follow-up

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is currently the most effective treatment for medically refractory dystonia with globus pallidus internus (GPi) usually the preferred target. Despite the overall success of DBS in dystonia, there remains variability in treatment outcome in both short and long-term follow-up, due to various factors. Factors contributing to variability in outcome comprise 'Dystonia Related' including dystonia classification, semiology, duration, body distribution, orthopaedic deformity, aetiology and genetic cause. The majority of these factors are identifiable from clinical assessment, brain MRI and genetic testing, and therefore merit careful preoperative consideration. 'DBS related' factors include brain target, accuracy of lead placement, stimulation parameters, time allowed for response, neurostimulation technology employed and DBS induced side-effects. In this review, factors contributing to variability in short and long-term dystonia DBS outcome are reviewed and discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recognition of differential DBS benefit in monogenic dystonia, increasing experience with subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS and in DBS for Meige syndrome, elucidation of DBS side effects and novel neurophysiological and imaging techniques to assist in predicting clinical outcome.

SUMMARY

Improved understanding of factors contributing to variability of DBS outcome in dystonia may assist in patient selection and predicting surgical outcomes.

Past, Present, and Future of Deep Brain Stimulation: Hardware, Software, Imaging, Physiology and Novel Approaches

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has advanced treatment options for a variety of neurologic and neuropsychiatric conditions. As the technology for DBS continues to progress, treatment efficacy will continue to improve and disease indications will expand. Hardware advances such as longer-lasting batteries will reduce the frequency of battery replacement and segmented leads will facilitate improvements in the effectiveness of stimulation and have the potential to minimize stimulation side effects. Targeting advances such as specialized imaging sequences and "connectomics" will facilitate improved accuracy for lead positioning and trajectory planning. Software advances such as closed-loop stimulation and remote programming will enable DBS to be a more personalized and accessible technology. The future of DBS continues to be promising and holds the potential to further improve quality of life. In this review we will address the past, present and future of DBS.

Experimental deep brain stimulation in rodent models of movement disorders

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the preferred treatment for therapy-resistant movement disorders such as dystonia and Parkinson's disease (PD), mostly in advanced disease stages. Although DBS is already in clinical use for ~30 years and has improved patients' quality of life dramatically, there is still limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action. Rodent models of PD and dystonia are essential tools to elucidate the mode of action of DBS on behavioral and multiscale neurobiological levels. Advances have been made in identifying DBS effects on the central motor network, neuroprotection and neuroinflammation in DBS studies of PD rodent models. The phenotypic dt^sz mutant hamster and the transgenic DYT-TOR1A (ΔETorA) rat proved as valuable models of dystonia for preclinical DBS research. In addition, continuous refinements of rodent DBS technologies are ongoing and have contributed to improvement of experimental quality. We here review the currently existing literature on experimental DBS in PD and dystonia models regarding the choice of models, experimental design, neurobiological readouts, as well as methodological implications. Moreover, we provide an overview of the technical stage of existing DBS devices for use in rodent studies.

A practical guide to troubleshooting pallidal deep brain stimulation issues in patients with dystonia

High frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the internal portion of the globus pallidus has, in the last two decades, become a mainstream therapy for the management of medically-refractory dystonia syndromes. Such increasing uptake places an onus on movement disorder physicians to become familiar with this treatment modality, in particular optimal patient selection for the procedure and how to troubleshoot problems relating to sub-optimal efficacy and therapy-related side effects. Deep brain stimulation for dystonic conditions presents some unique challenges. For example, the frequent lack of immediate change in clinical status following stimulation alterations means that programming often relies on personal experience and local practice rather than real-time indicators of efficacy. Further, dystonia is a highly heterogeneous disorder, making the development of unifying guidelines and programming algorithms for DBS in this population difficult. Consequently, physicians may feel less confident in managing DBS for dystonia as compared to other indications e.g. Parkinson's disease. In this review, we integrate our years of personal experience of the programming of DBS systems for dystonia with a critical appraisal of the literature to produce a practical guide for troubleshooting common issues encountered in patients with dystonia treated with DBS, in the hope of improving the care for these patients.

Long-Term Follow-Up of 12 Patients Treated with Bilateral Pallidal Stimulation for Tardive Dystonia

Tardive dystonia (TD) is a side effect of prolonged dopamine receptor antagonist intake. TD can be a chronic disabling movement disorder despite medical treatment. We previously demonstrated successful outcomes in six patients with TD using deep brain stimulation (DBS); however, more patients are needed to better understand the efficacy of DBS for treating TD. We assessed the outcomes of 12 patients with TD who underwent globus pallidus internus (GPi) DBS by extending the follow-up period of previously reported patients and enrolling six additional patients. All patients were refractory to pharmacotherapy and were referred for surgical intervention by movement disorder neurologists. In all patients, DBS electrodes were implanted bilaterally within the GPi under general anesthesia. The mean ages at TD onset and surgery were 39.2 ± 12.3 years and 44.6 ± 12.3 years, respectively. The Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) performed the preoperative and postoperative evaluations. The average BFMDRS improvement rate at 1 month postoperatively was 75.6 ± 27.6% (p < 0.001). Ten patients were assessed in the long term (78.0 ± 50.4 months after surgery), and the long-term BFMDRS improvement was 78.0 ± 20.4%. Two patients responded poorly to DBS. Both had a longer duration from TD onset to surgery and older age at surgery. A cognitive and psychiatric decline was observed in the oldest patients, while no such decline ware observed in the younger patients. In most patients with TD, GPi-DBS could be a beneficial therapeutic option for long-term relief of TD.

Tardive Blepharospasm May Respond to Bilateral Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation

Background

To date, there have been no reports of tardive blepharospasm being treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS), though there have been two reports of focal blepharospasm responding favorably to bilateral pallidal DBS.

Case

A 34 year old man with tardive blepharospasm that was refractory to oral medications as well as botulinum toxin types A and B underwent bilateral pallidal DBS under general anesthesia. He had significant improvement of his severe blepharospasm by one and half months post-DBS which was sustained at last follow-up 30 months post-DBS. The best programming parameters included pulse widths of 90-100 µsec, frequencies of 140-150 Hz, and stimulating the ventral contacts in each side.

Conclusion

Our case represents the first report of medically refractory tardive blepharospasm responding favorably to bilateral pallidal DBS.

Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation for Monogenic Dystonia: The Effect of Gene on Outcome

Globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation (GPi DBS) is the most effective intervention for medically refractory segmental and generalized dystonia in both children and adults. Predictive factors for the degree of improvement after GPi DBS include shorter disease duration and dystonia subtype with idiopathic isolated dystonia usually responding better than acquired combined dystonias. Other factors contributing to variability in outcome may include body distribution, pattern of dystonia and DBS related factors such as lead placement and stimulation parameters. The responsiveness to DBS appears to vary between different monogenic forms of dystonia, with some improving more than others. The first observation in this regard was reports of superior DBS outcomes in DYT-TOR1A (DYT1) dystonia, although other studies have found no difference. Recently a subgroup with young onset DYT-TOR1A, more rapid progression and secondary worsening after effective GPi DBS, has been described. Myoclonus dystonia due to DYT-SCGE (DYT11) usually responds well to GPi DBS. Good outcomes following GPi DBS have also been documented in X-linked dystonia Parkinsonism (DYT3). In contrast, poorer, more variable DBS outcomes have been reported in DYT-THAP1 (DYT6) including a recent larger series. The outcome of GPi DBS in other monogenic isolated and combined dystonias including DYT-GNAL (DYT25), DYT-KMT2B (DYT28), DYT-ATP1A3 (DYT12), and DYT-ANO3 (DYT24) have been reported with varying results in smaller numbers of patients. In this article the available evidence for long term GPi DBS outcome between different genetic dystonias is reviewed to reappraise popular perceptions of expected outcomes and revisit whether genetic diagnosis may assist in predicting DBS outcome.

Deep brain stimulation by optimized stimulators in a phenotypic model of dystonia: Effects of different frequencies

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi, entopeduncular nucleus, EPN, in rodents) has become important for the treatment of generalized dystonia, a severe and often intractable movement disorder. It is unclear if lower frequencies of GPi-DBS or stimulations of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) are of advantage. In the present study, the main objective was to examined the effects of bilateral EPN-DBS at different frequencies (130 Hz, 40 Hz, 15 Hz) on the severity of dystonia in the dt^sz mutant hamster. In addition, STN stimulations were done at a frequency, proven to be effective by the present EPN-DBS in dystonic hamsters. In order to obtain precise bilateral electrical stimuli with magnitude of 50 μA, a pulse width of 60 μs and defined frequencies, it was necessary to develop a new optimized stimulator prior to the experiments. Since the individual highest severity of dystonic episodes is known to be reached within three hours after induction in dt^sz hamsters, the duration of DBS was 180 min. During DBS with 130 Hz the severity of dystonia was significantly lower within the third hour than without DBS in the same animals (p < 0.05). DBS with 40 Hz tended to exert antidystonic effects after three hours, while 15 Hz stimulations of the EPN and 130 Hz stimulations of the STN failed to show any effects on the severity. DBS of the EPN at 130 Hz was most effective against generalized dystonia in the dt^sz mutant. The response to EPN-DBS confirms that the dt^sz mutant is suitable to further investigate the effects of long-term DBS on severity of dystonia and neuronal network activities, important to give insights into the mechanisms of DBS.

Pulse Width and Implantable Pulse Generator Longevity in Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia: A Population-Based Comparative Effectiveness Study

INTRODUCTION

A wide range of pulse widths (PWs) has been used in globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for dystonia. However, no specific PW has demonstrated clinical superiority, and the paradigm may differ among DBS centers.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how different paradigms of PWs in GPi DBS for dystonia affect implantable pulse generator (IPG) longevities and energy consumption.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with dystonia treated with bilateral GPi DBS at 2 Swedish DBS centers from 2005 to 2015 were included. Different PW paradigms were used at the 2 centers, 60-90 µs (short PWs) and 450 µs (long PW), respectively. The frequency of IPG replacements, pulse effective voltage (PEV), IPG model, pre-/postoperative imaging, and clinical outcome based on the clinical global impression (CGI) scale were collected from the medical charts and compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The average IPG longevity was extended for the short PWs (1,129 ± 50 days) compared to the long PW (925 ± 32 days; χ2 = 12.31, p = 0.0005, log-rank test). IPG longevity correlated inversely with PEV (Pearson's r = -0.667, p < 0.0001). IPG longevities did not differ between Kinetra® and Activa® PC in the short (p = 0.319) or long PW group (p = 0.858). Electrode distances to the central sensorimotor region of the GPi did not differ between the short or long PW groups (p = 0.595). Pre- and postoperative CGI did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Short PWs were associated with decreased energy consumption and increased IPG longevity. These effects were not dependent on the IPG model or the anatomic location of the electrodes. PWs did not correlate with symptom severities or clinical outcomes. The results suggest that the use of short PWs might be more energy efficient and could therefore be preferred initially when programming patients with GPi DBS for dystonia.

Deep Brain Stimulation Programming for Movement Disorders: Current Concepts and Evidence-Based Strategies

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become the treatment of choice for advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, medically intractable essential tremor, and complicated segmental and generalized dystonia. In addition to accurate electrode placement in the target area, effective programming of DBS devices is considered the most important factor for the individual outcome after DBS. Programming of the implanted pulse generator (IPG) is the only modifiable factor once DBS leads have been implanted and it becomes even more relevant in cases in which the electrodes are located at the border of the intended target structure and when side effects become challenging. At present, adjusting stimulation parameters depends to a large extent on personal experience. Based on a comprehensive literature search, we here summarize previous studies that examined the significance of distinct stimulation strategies for ameliorating disease signs and symptoms. We assess the effect of adjusting the stimulus amplitude (A), frequency (f), and pulse width (pw) on clinical symptoms and examine more recent techniques for modulating neuronal elements by electrical stimulation, such as interleaving (Medtronic®) or directional current steering (Boston Scientific®, Abbott®). We thus provide an evidence-based strategy for achieving the best clinical effect with different disorders and avoiding adverse effects in DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), the ventro-intermedius nucleus (VIM), and the globus pallidus internus (GPi).

Disease Stabilization of DYT1-Positive Primary Generalized Dystonia With Deep Brain Stimulation of the Globus Pallidus Interna: A 15-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Primary generalized dystonia (PGD) is a genetic form of dystonia that frequently displays pharmacological resistance and progresses quickly after onset. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used successfully to treat refractory dystonia, specifically globus pallidus interna (GPi) DBS for DYT1-positive PGD patients. Long-term follow-up of the safety and efficacy falls short of the longevity seen in other diseases treated with DBS.

CASE PRESENTATION

A male patient presented for neurosurgical evaluation with scapular winging, hand contractures, and violent truncal spasms, which forced him to be bedridden. After failing conservative therapy, the 18-yr-old patient was implanted with bilateral GPi-DBS. DBS parameter adjustments were made primarily within the first 3 yr after implantation, with nominal changes thereafter. Initial settings were contact of 3 + 0−, amplitude of 4.9 V, frequency of 185 Hz, and pulse width of 270 μsec on the left and 3 + 0−, 2.8 V, 185 Hz, and 120 μsec on the right. Current settings are 3 + 2 + 1−, 5.2 V, 130 Hz, 330 μsec on the left and 3 + 0−, 3.5 V, 185 Hz, and 180 μsec on the right and have been relatively unchanged in the past 4 yr. Unified dystonia rating scale scores reveal a significant decrease in dystonic symptoms.

CONCLUSION

While prior reports have shown that GPi-DBS is effective for dystonia, this is the first with 15 yr of long-term follow-up showing disease stabilization, suggesting that stimulation is efficacious and can potentially prevent disease progression. This report reaffirms previous reports that recommend early surgical intervention before the onset of permanent musculoskeletal deficits.

Establishing a Standard of Care for Deep Brain Stimulation Centers in Canada

During the “DBS Canada Day” symposium held in Toronto July 4-5, 2014, the scientific committee invited experts to share their knowledge regarding deep brain stimulation (DBS) management of movement disorders in three domains: (1) the programming algorithms, (2) the necessary team to run a neurosurgery program, and (3) the appropriate scales to better define in a more comprehensive fashion the effect of the brain surgery. Each presentation was followed by an open discussion, and this article reports on the conclusions of this meeting on these three questions. Concerning programming, the role of the pulse width and the switching off of the stimulation at night for thalamic stimulation for the control of tremor have been discussed. The algorithms proposed in the literature for programming in Parkinson’s disease (PD) need validation. In dystonia, the use of monopolar vs bipolar parameters, the use of low vs high frequencies and the use of smaller versus larger pulse widths all need to be examined properly. Concerning the necessary team to run a neurosurgical program, recommendations will follow the suggestions for standardized outcome measures. Regarding the outcome measures for DBS in PD, investigations need to focus on the non-motor aspects of PD. Identifying which nonmotor symptoms respond to DBS would allow a better screening before and satisfaction postoperatively. There is an important need for more data to determine the optimal programming protocol and the standard measures that should be performed routinely by all centers.

Electrophysiological interpretations of the clinical response to stimulation parameters of pallidal deep brain stimulation for cervical dystonia

OBJECTIVE

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) at the posterolateral ventral portion of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) has been regarded as a good therapeutic modality. Because the theoretical principle behind the stimulation parameters is yet to be determined, this study aimed to interpret analyses of the stimulation parameters used in our department based on an electrophysiological review.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with medically refractory idiopathic cervical dystonia who underwent GPi DBS were enrolled. The baseline and follow-up parameters were analyzed according to their dependence on time after DBS. The pattern of changes in the stimulation parameters over time, the differences across the four active contacts, and the relationship between the stimulation parameters and clinical benefits were evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean age and disease duration were 50.9 years and 54.7 months, respectively. Mean follow-up duration was 22.6 months. The amplitude and frequency exhibited significant increasing temporal patterns, i.e., a mean amplitude and frequency of 3.1 V and 132.2 Hz at the initial setting and 4.0 V and 142.6 Hz at the last follow-up, respectively. The better clinical response group (clinical improvement rate of 65-100 %) used a narrower pulse width (mean value of 78.4 μs) than the worse clinical response group (clinical improvement rate of 5-60 %, mean of value of 88.6 μs). Active contact at the GPe was used more often in the worse clinical response group than in the better response group.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on electrophysiological considerations, these patterns of stimulation parameters could be interpreted. This interpretation was based on a theoretical understanding of the mechanisms of action of DBS, i.e., that the abnormal neural signal is substituted by an induced neural signal, which is generated by therapeutic DBS.

Pallidal stimulation for medically intractable blepharospasm

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) is an established procedure to improve generalised, segmental craniofacial dystonia. However, no studies have addressed the applicability of DBS for blepharospasm as a focal craniofacial dystonia. A 52-year-old man developed medically intractable involuntary eye closure. Because the abnormal movement was observed exclusively in the eyelids, he was diagnosed not with Meige's syndrome but with blepharospasm as a focal craniofacial dystonia. He underwent stereotactic surgery under general anaesthesia for bilateral GPi-DBS. Continuous GPi stimulation almost completely abolished the blepharospasm. 15 months after the operation, his preoperative scores on the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (=8 points) decreased to 1 (87.5% improvement). The present study demonstrates the applicability of GPi-DBS for treating blepharospasm presenting as focal dystonia. Further studies with accumulated case series are needed to confirm the effect of DBS on blepharospasm and other focal craniofacial dystonias.

Technical aspects of neurostimulation: Focus on equipment, electric field modeling, and stimulation protocols

Neuromodulation is a field of science, medicine, and bioengineering that encompasses implantable and non-implantable technologies for the purpose of improving quality of life and functioning of humans. Brain neuromodulation involves different neurostimulation techniques: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS), which are being used both to study their effects on cognitive brain functions and to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. The mechanisms of action of neurostimulation remain incompletely understood. Insight into the technical basis of neurostimulation might be a first step towards a more profound understanding of these mechanisms, which might lead to improved clinical outcome and therapeutic potential. This review provides an overview of the technical basis of neurostimulation focusing on the equipment, the present understanding of induced electric fields, and the stimulation protocols. The review is written from a technical perspective aimed at supporting the use of neurostimulation in clinical practice.

Randomized, Blinded Pilot Testing of Nonconventional Stimulation Patterns and Shapes in Parkinson's Disease and Essential Tremor: Evidence for Further Evaluating Narrow and Biphasic Pulses

OBJECTIVES

Evidence suggests that nonconventional programming may improve deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for movement disorders. The primary objective was to assess feasibility of testing the tolerability of several nonconventional settings in Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET) subjects in a single office visit. Secondary objectives were to explore for potential efficacy signals and to assess the energy demand on the implantable pulse-generators (IPGs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A custom firmware (FW) application was developed and acutely uploaded to the IPGs of eight PD and three ET subjects, allowing delivery of several nonconventional DBS settings, including narrow pulse widths, square biphasic pulses, and irregular pulse patterns. Standard clinical rating scales and several objective measures were used to compare motor outcomes with sham, clinically-optimal and nonconventional settings. Blinded and randomized testing was conducted in a traditional office setting.

RESULTS

Overall, the nonconventional settings were well tolerated. Under these conditions it was also possible to detect clinically-relevant differences in DBS responses using clinical rating scales but not objective measures. Compared to the clinically-optimal settings, some nonconventional settings appeared to offer similar benefit (e.g., narrow pulse widths) and others lesser benefit. Moreover, the results suggest that square biphasic pulses may deliver greater benefit. No unexpected IPG efficiency disadvantages were associated with delivering nonconventional settings.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to acutely screen nonconventional DBS settings using controlled study designs in traditional office settings. Simple IPG FW upgrades may provide more DBS programming options for optimizing therapy. Potential advantages of narrow and biphasic pulses deserve follow up.

Early postoperative management of DBS in dystonia: programming, response to stimulation, adverse events, medication changes, evaluations, and troubleshooting

Early postoperative management in deep brain stimulation-treated patients with dystonia differs from that of patients with essential tremor and Parkinson's disease, mainly due to the usually delayed effects of deep brain stimulation and the heterogenous clinical manifestation and etiologies of dystonia. The present chapter summarizes the available data about and concentrates on practical clinical aspects of early postoperative management in deep brain stimulation-treated patients with dystonia.

Deep-Brain Stimulation for Basal Ganglia Disorders

The realization that medications used to treat movement disorders and psychiatric conditions of basal ganglia origin have significant shortcomings, as well as advances in the understanding of the functional organization of the brain, has led to a renaissance in functional neurosurgery, and particularly the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS). Movement disorders are now routinely being treated with DBS of 'motor' portions of the basal ganglia output nuclei, specifically the subthalamic nucleus and the internal pallidal segment. These procedures are highly effective and generally safe. Use of DBS is also being explored in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, with targeting of the 'limbic' basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuitry. The results of these procedures are also encouraging, but many unanswered questions remain in this emerging field. This review summarizes the scientific rationale and practical aspects of using DBS for neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Stimulation of the globus pallidus internus in a patient with DYT1-positive primary generalized dystonia: a 10-year follow-up

The authors report the case of DYT1-positive primary generalized dystonia refractory to medical management that was successfully treated with continuous deep brain stimulation of the internal segment of the globus pallidus. Prior studies have shown that neuromusculoskeletal deficits can remain permanent if early surgical intervention is not undertaken. The authors report prolonged efficacy and safety over a 10-year period in a 28-year-old man.

Pallidal stimulation in cervical dystonia: clinical implications of acute changes in stimulation parameters

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) is successful in dystonia, but the role of each electrical parameters of stimulation is unclear. We studied the clinical effects of acute changes of different parameters of GPi-DBS in cervical dystonia (CD).

METHODS

Eight CD patients with bilateral GPi-DBS at 28.6 +/- 19.2 (mean +/- SD) months after surgery were recruited. Mean improvement in the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) severity score was 54.5% compared to before surgery. Ten settings, including a combination of a wide range of pulse widths (PWs), low and high frequencies and voltage, were administered in a randomized double blinded fashion. Clinical benefit was assessed by two raters using the TWSTRS and by the patients using an analogue rating scale.

RESULTS

The TWSTRS severity scores were reduced by 56.7% with stimulation at the best settings. Improvement was significantly associated with high frequency (> or = 60 Hz) and high voltage. Stimulation at 130 Hz showed the best clinical improvement. Increasing PWs (from 60 to 450 micros) did not result in a significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

Frequency and amplitude appear to be the most important factors in the acute anti-dystonic effects in GPi-DBS patients with CD.

Bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation for the treatment of patients with dystonia-choreoathetosis cerebral palsy: a prospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) with dystonia-choreoathetosis is a common cause of disability in children and in adults, and responds poorly to medical treatment. Bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation (BP-DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) is an effective treatment for primary dystonia, but the effect of this reversible surgical procedure on dystonia-choreoathetosis CP, which is a subtype of secondary dystonia, is unknown. Our aim was to test the effectiveness of BP-DBS in adults with dystonia-choreoathetosis CP.

METHODS

We did a multicentre prospective pilot study of BP-DBS in 13 adults with dystonia-choreoathetosis CP who had no cognitive impairment, little spasticity, and only slight abnormalities of the basal ganglia on MRI. The primary endpoint was change in the severity of dystonia-choreoathetosis after 1 year of neurostimulation, as assessed with the Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia rating scale. The accuracy of surgical targeting to the GPi was assessed masked to the results of neurostimulation. Analysis was by intention to treat.

FINDINGS

The mean Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia rating scale movement score improved from 44.2 (SD 21.1) before surgery to 34.7 (21.9) at 1 year post-operatively (p=0.009; mean improvement 24.4 [21.1]%, 95% CI 11.6-37.1). Functional disability, pain, and mental health-related quality of life were significantly improved. There was no worsening of cognition or mood. Adverse events were related to stimulation (arrest of the stimulator in one patient, and an adjustment to the current intensity in four patients). The optimum therapeutic target was the posterolateroventral region of the GPi. Little improvement was seen when the neurostimulation diffused to adjacent structures (mainly to the globus pallidus externus [GPe]).

INTERPRETATION

Bilateral pallidal neurostimulation could be an effective treatment option for patients with dystonia-choreoathetosis CP. However, given the heterogeneity of motor outcomes and the small sample size, results should be interpreted with caution. The optimum placement of the leads seemed to be a crucial, but not exclusive, factor that could affect a good outcome.

FUNDING

National PHRC; Cerebral Palsy Foundation: Fondation Motrice/APETREIMC; French INSERM Dystonia National Network; Medtronic.

Treatment of dystonia with deep brain stimulation

Pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment option for medically refractive dystonia. The mechanism by which globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) DBS improves dystonia is still unclear. Primary generalized dystonia usually responds well to this therapy, as recently confirmed in two well-designed, double-blind, controlled trials; however, predictors of outcome within this population are not well known. The role of GPi DBS in idiopathic cervical dystonia resistant to treatment with botulinum toxin, in tardive dystonia, and in some types of secondary dystonia are emerging as populations of patients who may also benefit, but outcomes are not well documented. Serious complications from this therapy are rare. Future research will likely continue to address the most appropriate programming settings for various populations of dystonia, the mechanism by which DBS affects dystonia, and the possibility of alternative brain targets that might have less associated side effects or greater efficacy than the GPi.