Early globus pallidus internus stimulation in pediatric patients with generalized primary dystonia: long-term efficacy and safety

J Child Neurol. 2010 Nov;25(11):1355-61. doi: 10.1177/0883073810365369. Epub 2010 May 5.

Abstract

Primary generalized dystonia presents mainly at a young age and commonly is severely disabling. The authors report the long-term follow-up (mean, 73 months; range, 50-101 months) of 5 pediatric patients (mean age at surgery 13 years; range, 8-16 years) undergoing globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation. Mean improvement in the Burke-Fahn-Marsden movement score was 67.4% (range, 47.0%-87.5%), 75.4% (range, 61.5%-91.7%), and 83.5% (range, 72.0%-93.3%) at 3 months, 12 months, and long-term follow-up (>36 months), respectively. Hardware problems (electrode dislocation/breakage of extension cable, and imminent perforation of extension cable) were observed in 2 patients (operative revision without sequelae). Except for mild dysarthria in 2 patients, no other therapy-related morbidity was observed. The authors found globus pallidus internus stimulation to offer a very effective and safe therapy in pediatric patients with primary dystonia. Early neurosurgical intervention seems to be crucial to prevent irreversible impairment of motor function.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Deep Brain Stimulation / adverse effects*
  • Dystonic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Dystonic Disorders / therapy*
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Female
  • Globus Pallidus / physiology*
  • Globus Pallidus / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome