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.

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Download a clinical summary1 to see clinical studies and case reports on dystonia patients that were not sponsored by Medtronic.

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Probable benefits of Medtronic DBS

  • 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. 

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Medtronic Academy

Access on-demand DBS resources, procedural videos, webinars, and more at Medtronic Academy.

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Contact Medtronic.

U.S. clinician services: 

800-328-0810