Pallidotomy for generalized dystonia.
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.
Ondo
W G
WG
Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Desaloms
J M
JM
Jankovic
J
J
Grossman
R G
RG
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002648:Child; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral / Q000502:physiology; D004421:Dystonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome