Deep brain stimulation for medically refractory life-threatening status dystonicus in children: Report of 3 cases

Brian P. Walcott, Brian V. Nahed, Kristopher T. Kahle, Ann Christine Duhaime, Nutan Sharma, Emad N. Eskandar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Generalized dystonic syndromes may escalate into persistent episodes of generalized dystonia known as status dystonicus that can be life-threatening due to dystonia-induced rhabdomyolysis and/or respiratory compromise. Treatment of these conditions usually entails parenteral infusion of antispasmodic agents and sedatives and occasionally necessitates a medically induced coma for symptom control. The authors report a series of 3 children who presented with medically intractable, life-threatening status dystonicus and were successfully treated with bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation. Bilateral globus pallidus internus stimulation appears to be effective in the urgent treatment of medically refractory and life-threatening movement disorders.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)99-102
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Deep brain stimulation
  • Functional neurosurgery
  • Globus pallidus
  • Movement disorder
  • Rhabdomyolysis
  • Status dystonicus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Clinical Neurology

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