Ann Neurol Surg | Volume 3, Issue 1 | Review Article | Open Access

The Rationale for the Dentate Nucleus as a Target for Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystono-Dyskinetic Syndromes

Claire L Nicholson Philippe Coubes and Gaetan Poulen

Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Montpellier, France Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Functional Genomics, France Department of Neurosurgery, French National Center for Scientific Research, France Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute for Health and Medical Research, France Department of Neurosurgery, University Montpellier I, France 6Department of Neurosurgery, Newcastle General Hospital, UK

*Correspondance to: Philippe Coubes 

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Abstract

Purpose: To discuss the potential of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the dentate nucleus as a
treatment for dystono-dyskinetic syndromes.
Methods: An extensive literature review has been carried out, covering the anatomy and physiology
of the dentate nucleus and the experimental evidence for its involvement in the pathophysiology of
dystonia and dyskinesia.
Results: Evidence from animal models and from functional imaging in humans is strongly in favor
of involvement of the dentate nucleus in dystono-dyskinetic syndromes. Results of previous surgical
series of dentate nucleus stimulation have been promising but precise descriptions of the movement
disorders being treated are lacking and outcome measures have generally not been well defined.
Conclusion: In the light of new evidence regarding the involvement of the dentate nucleus in
dystono-dyskinetic syndromes, we present a review of the current literature and discuss why we
believe the question of dentate nucleus stimulation deserves to be re-visited.

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Citation:

Nicholson CL, Coubes P, Poulen G. The Rationale for the Dentate Nucleus as a Target for Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystono-Dyskinetic Syndromes. Ann Neurol Surg. 2019; 3(1): 1019..

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