Freezing of Gait After Bilateral Globus Pallidus Interna Deep Brain Stimulation in Generalized Dystonia

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) is a safe and long-term effective treatment for medication-refractory dystonia. However, complications and side effects may occur. Freezing of gait (FOG) is a rare phenomenon in patients with dystonia, although very frequently this complication is observed in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). FOG can be disabling and may severely impair quality of life, even when episodic. This chapter reports on a case of a 49-year-old left-handed man presenting with FOG, impairment in balance, and walking difficulty. These issues emerged 3 years after successful bilateral GPi DBS for primary generalized dystonia.