Deep brain stimulation in a young child with mutation - Feasible and helpful.

BACKGROUND

is an emerging disorder characterized with hypotonia, developmental delay, epilepsy, and movement disorder, which can be potentially life threatening during acute exacerbation. In the USA, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been licensed for treating children with chronic, treatment-resistant primary dystonia, who are 7 years old or older.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 4-year-old girl diagnosed to have related dyskinesia and severe global developmental delay. She had severe dyskinesia precipitated by intercurrent infection, requiring prolonged intensive care for heavy sedation and related complications. Her dyskinesia improved dramatically after DBS implantation. Technical difficulties and precautions of DBS in preschool children were discussed.

CONCLUSION

DBS should be considered early in the treatment of drug-resistant movement disorders in young children with , especially after dyskinetic crisis, as they tend to recur. Presurgical counseling to parents and close monitoring of complications is also important in the process.