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

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 hardw...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Marc E. Wolf, Olaf Majewski, Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl, Christian Blahak, Dirk-Michael Schulte, Joachim K. Krauss
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ubiquity Press 2019-10-01
Series:Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements
Subjects:
Online Access:https://tremorjournal.org/index.php/tremor/article/view/713/2476
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:2160-8288