Chronic thalamic stimulation for treatment of dystonic paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia

The authors report the effect of chronic stimulation of the ventrointermedi ate (Vim) thalamus for treatment of dystonic paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dysk inesias (PNKD). A 37-year-old patient had a 4-year history of severe and pa inful PNKD of the right arm. Chronic stimulation through a stereotactically implanted monopolar electrode in the left Vim resulted in a decrease of th e frequency, duration, and intensity of the dystonic paroxysmal movement di sorder. The benefit of stimulation has been maintained over 4 years of foll ow-up.