Microlesion Effect Induced by Electrode Implantation in the Posteroventral Globus Pallidus Interna for Severe Dystonic Tics

Abstract

Background: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurologic condition characterized by motor and phonic tics. Dystonic tics, including blepharospasm, are considered atypical or unusual in severe TS. Case Report:We report a severe case of TS with facial dystonic tics resembling blepharospasm in which the microlesion effect and a sustained therapeutic effect was observed with bilateral globus pallidus interna (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS).Discussion: Bilateral GPi DBS can be beneficial for blepharospasm-like tics and severe symptoms of TS. The improvements seen can be explained by the microlesion effect induced by DBS lead placement in the GPi.