Treating the symptoms of dystonia with deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Dystonia can cause severe involuntary muscle contractions that force certain parts of the body into repetitive, twisting movements or painful postures. Although there is no cure for dystonia, there are several treatments available that may help relieve symptoms. For patients seven years and older with chronic, treatment-resistant primary dystonia, DBS may be an option.
Offers the first safe† access to MRI anywhere on the body for diagnosing health conditions in patients with deep brain stimulation
Allows therapy to be turned off or reversed, preserving options for future therapies and treatments
Risks
Physicians should be aware that the risks associated with initial surgery may increase with clinical conditions such as:
Stroke or neurological disorders
Cardiovascular disease
Renal or hepatic failure
Diabetes mellitus
To help ensure maximum benefits from the neurostimulation system, long-term, post-surgical management of patients is recommended.
Is your dystonia patient a candidate for DBS therapy?
Deep brain stimulation may be considered when a patient with chronic, primary dystonia cannot successfully manage symptoms with medication.
Deep brain stimulation may be appropriate if the patient:
Has chronic, primary dystonia, including generalized and segmental dystonia, hemidystonia, and cervical dystonia (torticollis)
Cannot successfully manage symptoms with medication
Is 7 years of age or older
Is a suitable candidate for stereotactic neurosurgery
Use extreme care with lead implantation in patients with a heightened risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Physicians should consider underlying factors, such as previous neurological injury or prescribed medications (anticoagulants), that may predispose a patient to the risk of bleeding.
Explore Percept™ products.
Discover the Percept™ family of DBS products with BrainSense™ technology.
Humanitarian device: Authorized by federal law as an aid in the management of chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia, including generalized and/or segmental dystonia, hemidystonia, and cervical dystonia (torticollis), in patients 7 years of age or above. The effectiveness of the devices for treating these conditions has not been demonstrated.
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