Neurology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in primary cervical dystonia.
The globus pallidus internus (GPi) has been the primary target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat severe medication-refractory dystonia. Some patients with primary cervical or segmental dystonia develop subtle bradykinesia occurring in previously nondystonic body regions during GPi DBS. Subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS may provide an alternative target choice for treating dystonia, but has only been described in a few short reports, without blinded rating scales, statistical analysis, or detailed neuropsychological studies. ⋯ This study provides Class III evidence that bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation results in significant improvement in cervical dystonia without bradykinetic side effects.