Document resource
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a recognised treatment for dystonia and has been approved by NICE since 2006. The European Federation of Neurological Societies and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society recommend DBS for dystonia after failure of botulinum toxin (BoNT) and oral medications.There are limited reports comparing the impact of DBS on BoNT protocols. We retrospectively reviewed the notes of all patients who had DBS surgery between 2022-2024 to analyse BoNT treatment before and after surgery.22 patients were identified as having DBS for dystonia between 2022 - 2024. 21 patients had previously been treated with BoNT therapy and one patient had never been treated with BoNT. Of those previously treated, 6 had stopped prior DBS due to poor response or side effects.15 patients were treated with BoNT until DBS. 1 had dystonic tremor, 3 had cervical dystonia and blepharospasm, 7 had cervical dystonia, 3 had segmental dystonia and 1 had generalised dystonia. 9 patients improved after DBS and did not require further BoNT. Of the remaining 6 patients who were being treated with BoNT up until DBS, 1 had dose reduced, 2 had doses remain the same, 2 had doses increased and 1 was unclear.stephanie.ong1@nhs.net