Pallidal deep brain stimulation in the treatment of Meige syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) of globus pallidus internus (Gpi) has emerged as an effective treatment for dystonia. The experience is however limited concerning focal dystonias and to date only a few cases of pallidal DBS in the treatment of Meige syndrome have been published.

METHODS/

RESULTS

We here present a patient with Meige syndrome in whom unilateral pallidal DBS failed to improve the axial symptoms, but bilateral stimulation resulted in a major improvement. The Burke-Fahn-Marsden score (BFM) improved by 71.5% and the patient's blepharospasm was abolished.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest bilateral pallidal DBS may be an effective treatment for Meige syndrome.