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Is deep brain stimulation (DBS) a safe and effective treatment for adults with dystonia? - A Cochrane Review summary
1Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi Scientific Institute Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi, Via di Scandicci 269, 50143, Firenze, Italy Tel.: +39 055 73931;
Background:
Dystonia is the third common motor disorder; deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been reported as beneficial in selected dystonia patients.
Objective:
To assess the effects of DBS in adults with dystonia.
Methods:
Cochrane Review conducted by Rodrigues et al. searching for RCTs with a parallel design, comparing DBS versus placebo, sham intervention, or best medical/surgical treatment was summarized and discussed from a rehabilitation perspective.
Results:
Only two RCTs, at high risk of bias, and comparing DBS with sham intervention, were selected; low quality evidence was found that DBS may improve specific symptoms and functionality in adults with cervical or segmental/generalized dystonia; no conclusion was reached on DBS safety and tolerability.
Conclusions:
High quality studies are needed to verify DBS effects in dystonia; more types of dystonia and other control interventions also need to be addressed.
