Pallidotomy for generalized dystonia

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
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.