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.
|
Authors | Christos Sidiropoulos, Kei Masani, Tiago Mestre, Matija Milosevic, Yu-Yan Poon, Melanie Fallis, Binit B Shah, Suneil K Kalia, Milos R Popovic, Andres M Lozano, Elena Moro |
Journal | Journal of neurology
(J Neurol)
Vol. 261
Issue 3
Pg. 570-4
(Mar 2014)
ISSN: 1432-1459 [Electronic] Germany |
PMID | 24390202
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Epidural Space
(surgery)
- Gait
(physiology)
- Humans
- Male
- Postural Balance
(physiology)
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
(methods)
- Spinocerebellar Ataxias
(genetics, therapy)
- Thoracic Vertebrae
(surgery)
- Treatment Outcome
|