Treating the symptoms of dystonia with DBS
Dystonia can cause severe involuntary muscle contractions that force certain parts of the body into repetitive, twisting movements or painful postures. Although dystonia has no cure, there are a number of treatments available for finding relief. One option for those who are 7 years of age or above with chronic, treatment-resistant primary dystonia may be deep brain stimulation.
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.
Download a clinical summary1 to see clinical studies and case reports on dystonia patients that were not sponsored by Medtronic.
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.
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Contact usThis material is for Healthcare Professionals in countries with applicable health authority product registrations.
Important: Always refer to the Instructions For Use (IFU) packaged with the product/e-IFU for complete instructions, indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.
*
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 seven years of age or above. The effectiveness of the devices for treating these conditions has not been demonstrated.
†
Medtronic DBS systems are MR Conditional and safe in the MR environment as long as certain conditions are met. If the conditions are not met, a significant risk is tissue lesions from component heating, especially at the lead electrodes, resulting in serious and permanent injury including coma, paralysis, or death. Refer to the MRI Guidelines for Medtronic Deep Brain Stimulation Systems at www.medtronic.com/mri or contact Medtronic at (1-800) 328-0810 for a complete list of conditions. Also review current MRI manufacturer labeling before conducting the MRI.
1
Medtronic DBS Therapy for Dystonia Clinical Summary, 2016.