Spinal cord stimulation for gait impairment in spinocerebellar ataxia 7

J Neurol. 2014 Mar;261(3):570-4. doi: 10.1007/s00415-013-7236-0. Epub 2014 Jan 5.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to report on the clinical efficacy of epidural thoracic spinal cord stimulation on gait and balance in a 39-year-old man with genetically confirmed spinocerebellar ataxia 7. A RESUME Medtronic electrode was placed at the epidural T11 level. Spatiotemporal gait assessment using an electronic walkway and static posturography were obtained and analyzed in a blinded manner with and without stimulation. The Tinetti Mobility Test was also performed in the two conditions. At 11 months after surgery, there was a 3-point improvement in the Tinetti Mobility Test in the on stimulation condition, although there was no statistically significant difference in spatiotemporal gait parameters. Static posturography did not demonstrate a significant improvement in stability measures between the two conditions in a stochastic way. Thoracic epidural spinal cord stimulation had a mild but clinically meaningful beneficial effect in improving gait and balance in a patient with SCA-7. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Further experience with spinal cord stimulation in refractory gait disorders is warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Epidural Space / surgery
  • Gait / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation / methods*
  • Spinocerebellar Ataxias / genetics
  • Spinocerebellar Ataxias / therapy*
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome