Deep brain stimulation in 10 patients with severe Gilles de la Tourette syndrome

Abstract

Objective To evaluate outcome of High-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) for severe Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). Methods 10 cases of GTS who were resistant to at least 6 months of standard and innovative treatments, as well as to psychobehavioural techniques, underwent DBS. DBS was placed bilaterally globus pallidus internus (GPi).Patients were evaluated after surgery, using Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YRTSS) from 2 months to 24 months. Results All patients responded well to DBS, although to differing degrees (28.2% ～ 80.0%).The duration of follow-up assessments ranged from 2 to 24 months. Except for two erosions and/or infections cases, there were no serious permanent adverse effects. Conclusion DBS is a useful and safe treatment for severe GTS. The results of ours and previous DBS reports suggest that the GPi may be a good DBS target for GTS. Key words: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome; Deep brain stimulation; Globus pallidus internus