Rechargeable vs. nonrechargeable internal pulse generators in the management of dystonia.
OBJECTIVE
To test if deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment of dystonia was similar in patients before and after implantation of rechargeable internal pulse generators (IPGs).


METHODS
The Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) severity and disability scores were compared in patients before DBS insertion, 24 months after DBS insertion with a nonrechargeable IPG, and after implantation of a rechargeable IPG.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed between dystonia control in patients before and after implantation of a rechargeable IPG.


CONCLUSIONS
Rechargeable IPGs should be the IPGs of choice for dystonic patients receiving DBS as IPGs offer similar treatment efficacy to nonrechargeable IPGs with advantages in terms of costs and reductions in reimplantation frequency.
Department of Neurological Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK. martin.gillies@ouh.nhs.uk
Martin J
MJ
Gillies
Carole
C
Joint
Beth
B
Forrow
Clare
C
Fletcher
Alexander L
AL
Green
Tipu Z
TZ
Aziz
D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004421:Dystonia / Q000628:therapy*; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index