Syndrome of fixed dystonia in adolescents--short term outcome in 4 cases

Rehabilitation for Functional Dystonia: Cases and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Functional dystonia (FD) is a common subtype of functional movement disorder. FD can be readily diagnosed based on positive signs and is potentially treatable with rehabilitation. Despite this, clinical outcomes remain variable and a gold standard approach to treatment is lacking.

CASES

Here we present four cases of axial and limb functional dystonia who were treated with integrated rehabilitation and improved. The therapy approach and clinical outcomes are described, including videos.

LITERATURE REVIEW

A literature review evaluated the published treatment strategies for the treatment of functional dystonia. Out of 338 articles, 25 were eligible for review and included mainly case reports and case series. Most patients received more than one treatment modality. Non-invasive therapies, commonly physiotherapy and psychological approaches were mostly associated with positive outcomes. Multiple treatments commonly used in dystonia were used, including botulinum toxin injections, pharmacotherapy and surgery, leading to variable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Therapy should be personalized to the clinical presentation. In challenging cases, initiation of a multidisciplinary approach may provide benefit regardless of etiology. Pharmacotherapy should be used judiciously, and surgical therapy should be avoided.

Roles of preoperative anxiety and depression in the outcomes of microvascular decompression in hemifacial spasm for adolescent patients

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) has been recognized as the frequently occurring disease of cranial nerve. At the same time, several articles indicate that, dystonia results in certain psychological disorders. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the association of preoperative depression and anxiety with HFS severity; meanwhile, the role in microvascular decompression (MVD) outcomes after surgery among adolescent patients was also examined.All cases had been classified as two groups based on MVD outcomes among HFS cases; in addition, the preoperative Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HARS) and the Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) scores were compared between patients not and still suffering from spasm. Moreover, the multiple logistic regression model was employed in assessing the relationship between preoperative HARS as well as HDRS scores and outcomes of adolescent cases undergoing MVD.The preoperative HARS and HDRS scores showed positive correlation with Cohen spasm grades in HFS patients. Meanwhile, compared with spasm-free group, patients of persistent spams group had apparently higher preoperative HARS and HDRS scores.Our results suggest that, preoperative anxiety and depression status show close association with HFS severity, and they could also impact the MVD outcomes for adolescent cases.

Functional dystonia: A case-control study and risk prediction algorithm

OBJECTIVE

Functional dystonia (FD) is a disabling and diagnostically challenging functional movement disorder (FMD). We sought to identify historical predictors of FD vs. other primary dystonias (ODs) and develop a practical prediction algorithm to guide neurologists.

METHODS

1475 consecutive new patient medical records were reviewed at an adult/pediatric tertiary-referral dystonia clinic from 2005 to 2017. Ninety-nine met criteria for clinically established FD (85 adults and 14 pediatric), paired with 99 age/dystonia distribution-matched OD. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of FD and disability. We formed a prediction algorithm, assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis investigating independent predictors of FD (P < 0.001) followed by development of a prediction algorithm showed that the most robust predictors included abrupt onset, spontaneous resolution/recurrence, pain, cognitive complaints, being on or pursuing disability, lifetime mood/anxiety disorder, comorbid functional somatic disorders, and having ≥3 medication allergies. The prediction algorithm had utility for both adult and pediatric FD, with excellent sensitivity/specificity (89%/92%) and an area under the curve (AUC) 0.95 (0.92-0.98). Greater disability (modified Rankin Scale) independently correlated with a number of functional examination features, unemployment/not attending school, number of medication allergies, and younger age of presentation. FD patients were high health-care utilizers and were more frequently prescribed opiates/opioids and benzodiazepines (P < 0.003).

INTERPRETATION

This case-control study provides an algorithm to guide clinicians in gauging their index of suspicion for a FD, with diagnostic confirmation subsequently informed by neurological examination. While this algorithm requires prospective validation, health-care utilization data underscore the importance and need for more research in FD.

Functional Dystonia: Differentiation From Primary Dystonia and Multidisciplinary Treatments

Dystonia is a common movement disorder, involving sustained muscle contractions, often resulting in twisting and repetitive movements and abnormal postures. Dystonia may be primary, as the sole feature (isolated) or in combination with other movement disorders (combined dystonia), or as one feature of another neurological process (secondary dystonia). The current hypothesis is that dystonia is a disorder of distributed brain networks, including the basal ganglia, cerebellum, thalamus and the cortex resulting in abnormal neural motor programs. In comparison, functional dystonia (FD) may resemble other forms of dystonia (OD) but has a different pathophysiology, as a subtype of functional movement disorders (FMD). FD is the second most common FMD and amongst the most diagnostically challenging FMD subtypes. Therefore, distinguishing between FD and OD is important, as the management of these disorders is distinct. There are also different pathophysiological underpinnings in FD, with for example evidence of involvement of the right temporoparietal junction in functional movement disorders that is believed to serve as a general comparator of internal predictions/motor intentions with actual motor events resulting in disturbances in self-agency. In this article, we present a comprehensive review across the spectrum of FD, including oromandibular and vocal forms and discuss the history, clinical clues, evidence for adjunctive "laboratory-based" testing, pathophysiological research and prognosis data. We also provide the approach used at the Massachusetts General Hospital Dystonia Center toward the diagnosis, management and treatment of FD. A multidisciplinary approach, including neurology, psychiatry, physical, occupational therapy and speech therapy, and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy approaches are frequently required; pharmacological approaches, including possible targeted use of botulinum toxin injections and inpatient programs are considerations in some patients. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent unnecessary investigations and procedures, while facilitating the appropriate management of these highly complex patients, which may help to mitigate frequently poor clinical outcomes.

Complex regional pain syndrome in children: a systematic review of clinical features and movement disorders

Aim: To ascertain clinical features of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in children with a focus on movement disorders. Methods: all publications with original data on children with CRPS were assessed. Data were tabulated and descriptive statistics were applied. Results: One population-based study and nine clinic-based studies provided data on demographic and clinical characteristics of childhood CRPS. Mean age of onset was 12.5 years and 85% of patients were females (risk ratio: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.54−1.88). History of trauma in 71% and the lower limbs were affected in 75% of patients. A secondary site involvement was present in 15%. Movement disorders and dystonia were reported in 30% of children. Conclusion: Majority of cases of CRPS in children are females with mean age of 12.5 years. Movement disorders (mainly dystonia) affect at least one in three children with CRPS.

Complex regional pain syndrome in children: incidence and clinical characteristics

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All children and adolescents under 16 years of age with a new diagnosis of CRPS who were reported to the Scottish Paediatric Surveillance Unit were included. Patients' recruitment ran between 1 November 2011 and 31 October 2015. Information was collected on patients' demography, clinical features, investigations, management and impact of disease on child and family. The diagnosis of CRPS was made on fulfilling the clinical criteria of the International Association for the Study of Pain.

RESULTS

26 cases of CRPS were reported over 4 years, giving a minimum estimated incidence of 1.16/100 000 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.44/100 000) children 5-15 years of age. Nineteen patients were female (73%) and mean age at diagnosis was 11.9 (range 5.5-15.4 years). The median interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 2 months (range 1-12). The majority of children have single site involvement, with legs been more often affected than arms and the right side is more often affected than the left. There was a clear trauma at onset of the illness in 19 children and possible nerve injury in one. All investigations were normal and several treatment modalities were used with variable success. The disease had significant impacts on the patients' education and family lives.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated incidence of CRPS is 1.2/100 000 children 5-15 years old. The diagnosis of CRPS is often delayed. CRPS has a significant impact on children and their families.

Spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal baclofen therapy: combined neuromodulation for treatment of advanced complex regional pain syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the widely used procedures for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). However, complete pain relief is rarely achieved, and the SCS effect diminishes over time. Recently intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is reported to be a modality for treating fixed dystonia related to CRPS. Other reports have suggested that ITB therapy can enhance the effect of SCS in patients with neuropathic pain. We report the effectiveness of combined SCS and ITB therapy, focusing on the role of ITB therapy as an adjunctive therapy for controlling symptoms of advanced CRPS.

METHODS

Five affected extremities of 4 patients with CRPS (2 male; mean age, 32.5 years) refractory to conservative treatment were evaluated retrospectively. Three patients underwent SCS implantation first, with ITB pumps being implanted a few years later. Bolus ITB injection was administered under temporary percutaneous SCS in 1 patient. Pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after ITB administration.

RESULTS

Pain relief of more than 50% was observed in the upper extremity of 1 patient and one of more than 30% was observed in 2 patients. The mean pain reduction rate in all 4 patients was 28.9% before and 43.8% after treatment. All patients, including those without any improvements in VAS score, showed decreased postural abnormalities after combined SCS and ITB therapy. Improvement in postural abnormalities, such as fixed dystonia or paroxysmal tremor-like movements, resulted in overall pain relief by reducing pain fluctuations.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined SCS and ITB neuromodulation decreases pain intensity in refractory CRPS cases or improves associated abnormal dystonic posture and movement disorders and reduces pain fluctuations.

Novel use of intrathecal baclofen drug delivery system for periodic focal dystonia in a teenager

INTRODUCTION

 Focal dystonia, often affecting part of a limb, is a manifestation of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Furthermore, there may be significant latency between the onset of dystonia after the diagnosis of CRPS. We present the case of a 15-year-old girl with periodic focal dystonia who has been successfully treated with an intrathecal baclofen pump.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 The patient had sustained a minor ankle fracture four years prior to presentation. Despite radiologic evidence of adequate bony union, the patient continued to complain of spasms and pain in her left foot leading to dystonic posturing of the foot. Multiple therapies including subcutaneous morphine infusion, ankle splinting, physiotherapy, and local botulinum injections had not provided adequate relief. Intrathecal baclofen on three separate occasions resulted in successful temporary resolution of the dystonia. A placebo double-blinded injection of intrathecal saline at a separate setting however did not resolve the dystonia.

RESULTS

 We then proceeded with permanent delivery of baclofen by implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery pump, which resulted in resolution of the dystonia. The patient also was able to receive bolus doses of intrathecal baclofen. The patient is now able to partake in sporting and dancing activities. A detailed history of the patient, along with the difficulties in diagnosis and management, is presented.

CONCLUSION

 Intrathecal baclofen therapy can be effective in the management of focal dystonia after rigorous preoperative testing and counseling of adolescents with CRPS.