Results of deep brain stimulation for dystonia: a critical reappraisal

Deep brain stimulation for severe dystonia is still in the very first stage of development. Only single case reports or small case series have been reported to date. Best results have been obtained with pallidal stimulation in patients with primary generalised dystonia, especially in DYT1 mutation carriers. In secondary dystonia, conflicting results were reported. However, there is today enough promising evidence for a striking efficacy of pallidal stimulation in dystonia, supporting the need for further investigations in the field, with collaborative projects (regarding to the limited number of eligible patients); double-blind studies, including a consensus about surgical method; and a precise anatomic analysis of the position of the electrode. A careful assessment of the efficacy by using improved clinical scale is also warranted.