2017 Articles

Intractable Blepharospasm Treated with Bilateral Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation

Luthra, Nijee S.; Mitchell, Kyle T.; Volz, Monica M.; Tamir, Idit; Starr, Phillip A.; Ostrem, Jill

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.