Intractable Blepharospasm Treated with Bilateral Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation

Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y). 2017 Jul 6:7:472. doi: 10.7916/D8SJ1V9F. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Background: Blepharospasm can be present as an isolated dystonia or in conjunction with other forms of cranial dystonia, causing significant disability.

Case report: We report a case of a 69-year-old male with craniocervical dystonia, manifesting primarily as incapacitating blepharospasm refractory to medical treatments. He underwent bilateral globus pallidus (GP) deep brain stimulation (DBS) with complete resolution of his blepharospasm and sustained benefit at 12 months postoperatively.

Discussion: This case illustrates successful treatment of blepharospasm with pallidal stimulation. GP-DBS should be considered a reasonable therapeutic option for intractable blepharospasm.

Keywords: Deep brain stimulation; blepharospasm; cranial dystonia; globus pallidus internus; pallidal stimulation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blepharospasm / diagnostic imaging
  • Blepharospasm / physiopathology
  • Blepharospasm / therapy*
  • Deep Brain Stimulation*
  • Dystonic Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Dystonic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Dystonic Disorders / therapy
  • Globus Pallidus / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male