Bipolar spinal cord stimulation for spasmodic torticollis.
Four years' experience with electrical stimulation of the cervical cord is reported for 18 patients suffering from spasmodic torticollis. Permanent 1,100-Hz stimulation of the C2-C4 level resulted in a marked improvement in 50% of the patients, in a satisfactory result in 27.8% and in an unsatisfactory result in 22.2%. Muscular tension and related pain were reduced within 8 days to 4 months postoperatively. A measurable improvement of head posture rendered objective by a mechanoelectrical measuring device could only be observed after a continuous stimulation over 8-12 months. The procedure is nondestructive and reversible, complications consisted only in those related to the stimulation system itself.
D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013035:Spasm / Q000628:therapy*; D013116:Spinal Cord; D014103:Torticollis / Q000628:therapy*