Is deep brain stimulation (DBS) a safe and effective treatment for adults with dystonia? - A Cochrane Review summary with commentary

BACKGROUND: Dystonia is the third common motor disorder; deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been reported as beneficial in selected dystonia patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of DBS in adults with dystonia. METHODS: Cochrane Review conducted by Rodrigues et al. searching for RCTs with a parallel design, comparing DBS versus placebo, sham intervention, or best medical/surgical treatment was summarized and discussed from a rehabilitation perspective. RESULTS: Only two RCTs, at high risk of bias, and comparing DBS with sham intervention, were selected; low quality evidence was found that DBS may improve specific symptoms and functionality in adults with cervical or segmental/generalized dystonia; no conclusion was reached on DBS safety and tolerability. CONCLUSIONS: High quality studies are needed to verify DBS effects in dystonia; more types of dystonia and other control interventions also need to be addressed.