Motor outcome of dystonic camptocormia treated with pallidal neurostimulation

Deep brain stimulation of the internal pallidum (GPi-DBS) is effective for various types of drug-refractory primary dystonias. Rare clinical forms as dystonic camptocormia may profit but available data are scarce.

We here report on a retrospective clinical assessment of three patients with primary dystonic camptocormia treated with GPi-DBS.

All three patients showed marked response to bilateral GPi-DBS within days to weeks after surgery which was preserved in the long-term (38-45 months after implantation: mean improvement 82% as rated on the Burke Fahn Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale, 89% in the subitem "trunk"). Two patients developed mild stimulation induced speech problems (stuttering or dysarthria) which resolved with reprogramming or were acceptable in return for the control of dystonic symptoms.

The diagnosis and treatment of camptocormia will continue to require expert knowledge in movement and neuromuscular disorders, but DBS may expand treatment options in this difficult patient population.