Long?term effects of pallidal and thalamic deep brain stimulation in myoclonus dystonia

Objective Observational study to evaluate long-term effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) the globus pallidus internus (GPi) and ventral intermediate thalamic nucleus (VIM) on patients with medically refractory myoclonus dystonia (MD). Background More recently, pallidal as well DBS have been applied successfully in MD but data are sparse. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a cohort seven either separate (n = 1, VIM) or combined GPi- VIM-DBS 6). Myoclonus, disability were rated at baseline (BL), short-term (ST-FU) follow-up (LT-FU) using United Myoclonus Rating Scale, Burke?Fahn?Marsden Dystonia Scale (BFMDRS) Tsui rating scale, respectively. Quality life (QoL) mood evaluated SF-36 Beck Depression Inventory questionnaires, Results Patients reached significant reduction ST-FU (62% ± 7.3%; mean SE) LT-FU (68% 3.4%). While overall motor BFMDRS changes not LT-FU, GPi-DBS alone responded better predominant cervical ameliorated significantly up 54% 9.7% long-term. Mean scores improved by 44% 11.4% 58% 14.8% LT-FU. Mood QoL remained unchanged between 5 20 years postoperatively. No serious long-lasting stimulation-related adverse events observed. Conclusions present very long and/or that supports GPi favourable target safe sustaining symptoms (myoclonus>dystonia) disability.