FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON April 01, 2003

Deep Brain Stimulation Significantly Improves Generalized Torsion Dystonia Symptoms

Embargoed for meeting release until 2:00 pm HT, Tues., April 1, 2003

Honolulu, Hawaii -

Researchers from Beth Israel Medical Center in New York have demonstrated that deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus (near the thalamus) is a safe and highly effective therapy in patients with generalized torsion dystonia. Results of their study are being presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Honolulu, March 29-April 5, 2003. Generalized torsion dystonia is a progressively disabling movement disorder that generally develops around age 9 and affects approximately 5 in 100,000 people. Among Ashkenazi Jews, the incidence rate is approximately five times higher than among non-Jews due to a common ancestral gene. This form of dystonia is evidenced by involuntary movements, prolonged muscle contractions, twisting body motions and tremors -- symptoms that will eventually confine most patients to a wheelchair. To determine the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS), bilateral DBS leads were implanted in seven patients with intractable primary dystonia. All patients were evaluated with the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale before and at several intervals after surgery, and were followed for at least six months. All patients showed improvement in their Rating Scale scores, which was progressive over time. Muscle spasms and dyskinetic movements showed the most rapid improvement, with resolution of dystonic postures improving more slowly, and only partially in a few cases. One patient suffered an infection with the implanted hardware; no other complications occurred in any patients. "We observed near-complete resolution of symptoms in three patients and significant improvements among the others," noted study author Michele Tagliati, MD, assistant professor of neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. "Ongoing experiences in ours and other centers show that DBS may be a safe, effective therapy for a disease that is otherwise untreatable and grossly debilitating."

The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

Explore the latest in neurological disease and brain health, from the minds at the AAN at AAN.com or find us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Editor's Notes: Dr. Tagliati will present the research at 4:00 p.m., Wed., April 2 in Room 313B of the Hawaii Convention Center (HCC). Dr. Tagliati will be available to answer media questions during a briefing at 2:00 p.m., Tues., April 1 in the AAN Press Room, Room 327 of the HCC. All listed times are for Hawaiian-Aleutian Standard Time (HT).