Adjuvant medical therapy in cervical dystonia after deep brain stimulation: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on optimization of symptomatic management of cervical dystonia (CD) after implantation of pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS). OBJECTIVES: To describe the long-term, “real-world” management of CD patients after DBS implantation and the role of reintroduction of pharmacologic and botulinum toxin (BoNT) therapy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with focal cervical or segmental craniocervical dystonia implanted with DBS was conducted. RESULTS: Nine patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 41.7 ± 15.7 months. All patients continued adjuvant oral medication(s) to optimize symptom control post-operatively. Three stopped BoNT and four reduced BoNT dose by an average of 22%. All patients remained on at least one medication used to treat dystonia post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Optimal symptom control was achieved with DBS combined with either BoNT and/or medication. We suggest utilization of adjuvant therapies such as BoNT and/or medications if DBS monotherapy does not achieve optimal symptom control.