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.1 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.2
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 conditions3 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 summary4 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.5
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION MAY BE APPROPRIATE IF THE PATIENT6:
- 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.
MEDTRONIC ACADEMY
Access the Medical Education Program for Health Care Professionals in the field of movement disorders and epilepsy.
Visit our Medical Education siteADDITIONAL INFORMATION
*
Medtronic DBS systems are MR Conditional which means they are safe for MRI scans only under certain conditions. If the conditions are not met, the MRI could cause tissue heating, especially at the implanted lead(s) in the brain, which may result in serious and permanent injury or death. Before having an MRI, always talk with the doctor who manages your DBS Therapy to determine your eligibility and discuss potential benefits and risks of MRI. For further information, please call Medtronic at +44 (0) 1923 205101.
1
“Dystonia Definition.” Dystonia Europe, https://dystonia-europe.org/about-dystonia/dystonia-definition/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2021.
2
“Treatments for Dystonia.” Dystonia Europe, https://dystonia-europe.org/about-dystonia/treatments-dystonia/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2021.
3
Fenoy AJ, Simpson RK. Risks of common complications in deep brain stimulation surgery: management and avoidance. J Neurosurg. 2014;120(1):132-139.
4
Medtronic DBS Therapy for Dystonia Clinical Summary, 2016.
5
“Dystonia.” NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/dystonia/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2021.
6
"Medtronic DBS therapy indications". 2016, http://manuals.medtronic.com/content/dam/emanuals/neuro/M930110A007A_view.pdf. Accessed 7 Jan. 2021.
Brief Statement:
See the device manual for detailed information regarding the instructions for use, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and potential adverse events. If using an MRI SureScan® device, see the MRI SureScan® technical manual before performing an MRI. For further information, contact your local Medtronic representative and/or consult the Medtronic website at medtronic.eu.