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Intra-Operative Behavioral Tasks in Awake Humans Undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Published on: January 6, 2011
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Cognitive function in children with primary dystonia before and after deep brain stimulation
Tamsin Owen1, Hortensia Gimeno2, Richard Selway3
1Complex Motor Disorders Service, Paediatric Neurosciences, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Clinical Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery largely maintained cognitive function in children with primary dystonia. While most children showed stable cognition, some experienced improvements and others slight declines post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Dystonia involves involuntary movements and postures.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is effective for motor symptoms in primary dystonias.
- Limited research exists on DBS's cognitive impact in childhood dystonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cognitive function changes in children with primary dystonia after pallidal DBS surgery.
- To evaluate the impact of DBS on intellectual ability and memory in pediatric dystonia patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series design.
- Cognitive function assessed in 13 children with primary/primary plus dystonia pre- and post-DBS (at least one year after).
- Standardized neuropsychological measures used for intellectual ability and memory.
Main Results:
- All participants showed reduced dystonia (BFMDRS scores).
- Cognitive function remained stable in the majority of children post-DBS.
- Individual analysis revealed cognitive improvements in 8 children and declines in 4.
Conclusions:
- DBS surgery generally stabilizes cognitive function in pediatric dystonia.
- Further research with larger cohorts is needed to statistically validate these findings.
- Preliminary data suggests potential positive cognitive implications of DBS in children with dystonia.
