Pallidotomy for generalized dystonia.

Abstract

We systematically evaluated the efficacy of both unilateral and bilateral stereotactic pallidotomy in eight patients with generalized dystonia. Six patients had a marked improvement in dystonic movements and motor function; the other two patients also benefited from the procedure but to a lesser extent. The severity of dystonia was assessed before and after surgery by the Burke-Marsden-Fahn Dystonia Scale (BMFDS), the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS), and the Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL). The BMFDS scores decreased by 59.0%, UDRS by 62.5%, and ADL by 47.8% postoperatively. Adverse events were limited to a transient weakness in one patient. We conclude that pallidotomy is a safe and effective treatment in medically refractory cases of generalized dystonia.

• Authors: W G Ondo, J M Desaloms, J Jankovic, R G Grossman
• Journal: Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society (Mov Disord) Vol. 13 Issue 4 Pg. 693-8 (Jul 1998) ISSN: 0885-3185 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9686777 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living (classification)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Brain Mapping
• Child
• Dominance, Cerebral (physiology)
• Dystonia (diagnosis, physiopathology, surgery)
• Female
• Globus Pallidus (physiopathology, surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Motor Skills (physiology)
• Neurologic Examination
• Postoperative Complications (diagnosis)
• Stereotaxic Techniques
• Treatment Outcome