Long-term efficacy of pallidal deep brain stimulation in tardive dystonia: A case report and follow-up of 4 years

Abstract

Tardive dystonia (TD) is a disabling neurological disorder and is usually refractory to medical therapy. Over the past decade, several case reports and case series have demonstrated remarkable benefits of deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus interna for the treatment of refractory TD. In this case report, we present an illustrative case of refractory TD treated with globus pallidus interna–deep brain stimulation, with long-term sustained improvement of the dystonia and psychiatric comorbidity. In addition, the patient had a dorsal cord schwannoma, producing pyramidal signs in the lower limbs, which highlights the need for meticulous clinical examination for optimum patient management.

Keywords

• deep brain stimulation
• globus pallidus interna
• tardive dystonia