Successful treatment of disabling paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia with deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus

Paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) causes episodes of treatment-resistant involuntary movements. Previous case reports showed effective treatment of PNKD with deep brain stimulation (DBS). We report 2 patients in whom DBS was highly successful when other treatment modalities had failed. Methods: Two patients aged 34 and 24 years with a longstanding history of PNKD were treated with globus pallidus internus (GPi) DBS. Motor effects were monitored and followed up postoperatively and again at 6 months after surgery. Results: Both patients responded very well to GPi DBS with complete suppression of dyskinesia after surgery in 1 patient and in the second after an additional adjustment of stimulation. Conclusion: GPi DBS might be an effective alternative treatment modality for PNKD.