REVIEW PAPER
Deep brain stimulation in the treatment of torticollis and Meige syndrome

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established and accepted treatment modality of generalized dystonia. The stereotactic target to be approached with DBS leads is the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi). Bilateral GPi stimulation in patients suffering from primary generalized dystonia reduced dystonic movement not only in the trunk and limbs but also in the neck and face. These observations have led to the use of GPi stimulation in patients with severe torticollis and Meige syndrome refractory to pharmacological agents as well to botulinum toxin injections. An increasing number of reports indicate the effectiveness of GPi stimulation in the treatment of intractable focal and segmental dystonia. Moreover, DBS can be performed simultaneously on both sides during one operative session. This treatment modality is reversible and safer when compared to stereotactic ablative techniques. In future, DBS can become an alternative treatment for intractable focal and segmental dystonia.