Objective: We investigated the validity of unilateral pallidotomy for cervical dystonia using severity scale of Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS, range: 0-35).

Background: Although stereotactic neurosurgery for cervical dystonia means basically the same procedure as bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of globus pallidus internus (GPi), lesioning of GPi (pallidotomy) for cervical dystonia is rarely reported. Furthermore, some reports showed efficacy of unilateral pallidal stimulation for cervical dystonia. However, efficacy of unilateral pallidotomy for cervical dystonia has not been investigated.

Methods: 6 patients (4 men/ 2 women) with cervical dystonia underwent unilateral pallidotomy. We used severity scale of TWSTRS as evaluation procedures before and 1 week after the surgery.

Results: The mean age at onset and surgery were 34.7(SD 15.3) and 47.2(SD 11.4). The mean preoperative and postoperative severity scale of TWSTRS were 19.2(SD 4.8) and 4.7(SD 3.9) (75.5% reduction). No perioperative adverse event was observed.

Conclusions: Albeit short observational period, this study suggest unilateral pallidotomy is safe and effective procedure for cervical dystonia.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/unilateral-pallidotomy-for-cervical-dystonia/