Articles

Position-Dependent Dysfunction of Deep Brain Stimulation in Tourette Syndrome: Diagnostic Clues

Wolf, Marc E.; Majewski, Olaf; Müller-Vahl, Kirsten R.; Blahak, Christian; Schulte, Dirk-Michael; Krauss, Joachim K.

Background: Detection of defective deep brain stimulation (DBS) contacts/electrodes is sometimes challenging.

Case Report: We report a patient with Tourette syndrome (TS), who presented with abrupt tic increase and mild generalized headache 9 years after DBS implantation. On the suspicion of a hardware defect, a fracture of the DBS electrode and extension lead was ruled out by radiography and standard implantable pulse generator readouts. Further investigation revealed position-dependent modifiable therapeutic impedances, suggesting an impaired contact of the extension lead/adaptor. After replacement normal impedances were recorded, and the patient fully recovered.

Discussion: In DBS dysfunction with inconspicuous hardware check, position-dependent defects might be suspected.

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Also Published In

Title
Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7916/tohm.v0.713

More About This Work

Academic Units
Center for Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders
Published Here
January 15, 2020