title: Deep Brain Stimulation for Status Dystonicus: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.
abstract: Status dystonicus (SD) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of primary or secondary dystonia, characterized by acute worsening of dystonic movements. There is no consensus regarding optimal treatment, which may be medical and/or surgical.
  
  
  
  We present our experience with pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) in 5 DYT1-positive patients with SD and provide a review of the literature to examine optimal management.
  
  
  
  Of the 5 patients treated with pallidal DBS, all experienced postoperative resolution of their dystonic crisis within a range of 1-21 days. Long-term follow-up resulted in 1 patient returning to preoperative baseline, 3 patients improving from baseline, and 1 patient making a complete recovery. Of the 28 SD patients (including our 5 patients) reported in the literature who were treated with DBS or ablative surgery, 26 experienced cessation of their dystonic crisis with a return to baseline function and, in most cases, clinical improvement.
  
  
  
  DBS is an effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of SD. In addition to the long-term benefits of stimulation, early and aggressive treatment may improve the overall outcome.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, N.Y., USA.
authors: Sharona
authors: S
authors: Ben-Haim
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Flatow
authors: Tyler
authors: T
authors: Cheung
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Cho
authors: Michele
authors: M
authors: Tagliati
authors: Ron L
authors: RL
authors: Alterman
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation; D004421:Dystonia / Q000601:surgery*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques