Combined therapy of orthopedic surgery after deep brain stimulation in cerebral palsy mixed type - a case report -

Ann Rehabil Med. 2011 Oct;35(5):742-6. doi: 10.5535/arm.2011.35.5.742. Epub 2011 Oct 31.

Abstract

Dystonia is a symptom defined by involuntary and irregular contractions of the muscles, which cause movement disorders and postural problems. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in globus pallidus interna (GPi) is a good option for controlling dystonia. DBS has already been shown to have significant effects on primary dystonia as well as Parkinson's disease. Dystonia is very difficult to manage, as seen in cerebral palsy (CP) mixed with spasticity. As CP patients grow, their musculoskeletal problems may require orthopedic surgery. However, the outcome of orthopedic surgery is not usually suitable due to dystonia. Therefore, we attempted to control dystonia through DBS initially and perform orthopedic surgery to correct musculoskeletal deformities after treatment of dystonia. Herein, we report a case that showed remarkable improvement in terms of the dystonia rating scale and gait pattern after combined therapy of DBS and orthopedic surgery.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Deep brain stimulation; Dystonia.