How does the stimulator help dystonia patients?
Deep Brain Stimulation for dystonia is generating interest because it is reversible and adjustable, unlike the older type of dystonia surgery that created a permanent surgical lesion (pallidotomy). It is used for the treatment of chronic, drug refractory, primary dystonia – including generalized, segmental, hemidystonia and cervical dystonia. Adults and children within these parameters may be candidates. Certain types of young people with a genetic form of dystonia, the DYT-1 mutation, often have an excellent response to surgery. Deep Brain Stimulation for certain types of dystonia has been designated a Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) by the FDA. A Humanitarian Use Device is a device that is intended to benefit patients in the treatment or diagnosis of diseases or conditions that affect fewer than 4,000 individuals per year in the U.S. Insurance usually pays for deep brain stimulation for dystonia, but may deny payment in some cases since DBS for dystonia is not a standard treatment. It
