Long-term Efficacy of GPi DBS for Cranio Facial Dystonia: a Retrospective Report of 13 Cases
Abstract Objective: This study evaluated the long-term efficacy of globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of Cranio Facial dystonia (Meige syndrome) and investigated the correlation between the volume of tissue activated (VTA) of the GPi and each subregion and movement score improvement.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 13 patients with drug-refractory Meige syndrome who were treated with GPi DBS. Pre- and postoperative Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) scores were compared. Relationships between preoperative baseline variables and improvement in the BFMDRS-Movement (BFMDRS-M) score were analyzed. LEAD-DBS software was used for three-dimensional reconstruction of the GPi and implanted electrodes. Correlations between the GPi-VTA and score improvement were analyzed.Results: The average follow-up period was 36.6±11.0 months (18-55 months). The improvements in the BFMDRS-M score were 58.2% and 54.6% at 3 months after stimulation and at the final follow-up visit, respectively, and the improvements in the BFMDRS-Disability (BFMDRS-D) score were 53.6% and 51.7%, respectively. At the final follow-up visit, the improvements in BFMDRS-M scores for the eye, mouth, and speech/swallowing were significant (P<0.001). Age was an independent predictor of improvement in the BFMDRS-M score after DBS (P=0.005). A decrease in the BFMDRS-M score had significant positive relationships with the GPi-VTA (r=0.757, P=0.003). Conclusions: GPi DBS is an effective method to treat drug-refractory Meige syndrome. LEAD-DBS software can be used as an effective aid for visualization programing after DBS.