Deep brain stimulation and pallidotomy in primary Meige syndrome: a prospective cohort study

Primary Meige syndrome (PMS) is a rare form of dystonia, and comparative analysis of globus pallidus internal deep brain stimulation (GPi-DBS), subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS), and pallidotomy has been lacking. This study aims to compare the efficacy, safety, and psychiatric features of GPi-DBS, STN-DBS, and pallidotomy in patients with PMS.

This prospective cohort study was divided into three groups: GPi-DBS, STN-DBS, and pallidotomy. Clinical assessments, including motor and non-motor domains, were evaluated at baseline and at 1 year and 3 years after neurostimulation/surgery.

Ninety-eight patients were recruited: 46 patients received GPi-DBS, 34 received STN-DBS, and 18 underwent pallidotomy. In the GPi-DBS group, the movement score of the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) improved from a mean (SE) of 13.8 (1.0) before surgery to 5.0 (0.7) (95% CI, -10.5 to -7.1; P < 0.001) at 3 years. Similarly, in the STN-DBS group, the mean (SE) score improved from 13.2 (0.8) to 3.5 (0.5) (95% CI, -10.3 to -8.1; P < 0.001) at 3 years, and in the pallidotomy group, it improved from 14.9 (1.3) to 6.0 (1.1) (95% CI, -11.3 to -6.5; P < 0.001) at 3 years. They were comparable therapeutic approaches for PMS that can improve motor function and quality of life without non-motor side effects.

DBS and pallidotomy are safe and effective treatments for PMS, and an in-depth exploration of non-motor symptoms may be a new entry point for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology.