Patient-adjusted deep-brain stimulation programming is time saving in dystonia patients

Background Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) programming for dystonia patients is a complex and time-consuming task. Objective To analyze whether programming a programming paradigm based on patient's self-adjustment is practical, effective and time saving in dystonia. Methods We retrospectively compared dystonia rating scales as well as the time necessary to optimize programming and the number of in-hospital visits in all patients (n = 102) operated at our center who used simple mode (SM) or advanced mode (AM) programming; the latter uses groups of different stimulation parameters and allows the patient and their caregiver to change stimulation groups at home, using the patient remote control. Results Both AM- and SM-allocated patients improved clinically to the same extent after DBS, as assessed by the Burke-Fahn-Marsden (BFM) and the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis (TWSTRS) dystonia rating scales. All subscores improved after DBS without statistically significant differences in improvement between AM and SM (BFM: - 43% vs. - 53%, p = 0.569; TWSTRS: - 63% vs. - 72%, p = 0.781). AM and SM patients reached optimization within a similar median time [5.5 months (95% CI 4.6-6.3) for AM vs. 6.2 months (4.2-7.6) for SM, p = 0.674) but patients on advanced programming needed fewer in-hospital visits to achieve the same improvement [median of 5 visits (95% CI 4-7) for AM vs. 8 visits (7-9) for SM, p = 0.008]. Conclusions Advanced DBS programming based on patient's self-adjustment under the supervision of the treating physician is feasible, practical and significantly reduces consultation time in dystonia patients.