Deep brain stimulation for the treatment of hyperkinetic movement disorders

Deep brain stimulation effectiveness is well recognized for different movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, dystonia and essential tremor, however several other diseases in this field may benefit from the technique although experience is sparse and evidences of benefit and risks are not established.

In this review, we explored available evidence for effectiveness and safety of DBS in selected hyperkinetic movement disorders, including tardive dyskinesia, Huntington's disease, neuroacanthocytosis, myoclonus-dystonia, Tourette syndrome, orthostatic and Holmes' tremor. Expert commentary: The data referenced and discussed showed potential effectiveness for DBS in these disabling and refractory diseases. On the other hand, these disorders are quite complex and multifaceted, often composed of different movement disorders, as well as other motor and non-motor symptoms. Therefore, the possible contribution of DBS in improving patients' quality of life should be weighted in a strictly individual basis, keeping in mind the progressive nature of most of these disorders, as well as risk/benefit ratio.