Deep Brain Stimulation in Generalized Dystonia

Eleven patients with diagnosed generalized dystonia (GD) were treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS). The clinical status of the patients was evaluated and recorded pre- and post-operatively. The target globus pallidus or subthalamic nucleus was identified with direct and indirect methods and confirmed electrophysiologically in the operating room. All eleven patients reported subjective improvement following the surgery what was confirmed using scales tailored for the group. The improvement lasted from 10 months to 40 months. DBS can be effectively and safely utilized to alleviate symptoms of generalized dystonia in selected patients.