Thalamic stimulation for choreiform movement disorders in children. Report of two cases.

Abstract

Surgery for movement disorders is most commonly performed in patients with dyskinesia and tremor associated with Parkinson's disease or in those with essential tremor. The role of ablative surgery or deep brain stimulation in patients with choreiform movements is poorly defined. The authors placed thalamic stimulation systems in two children with disabling choreiform disorders due to intracerebral hemorrhage or cerebral palsy. Each patient displayed choreiform movements in the upper extremities both at rest and with intention, which interfered with daily activities and socialization. Both children obtained significant improvement in their choreiform movements, and their upper extremity function improved with no incidence of morbidity. Thalamic stimulation appears to be a promising and nonablative approach for children with choreiform movement disorders.