Spasmodic dysphonia may respond to bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation

Background Spasmodic dysphonia is a primary focal dystonia manifested by loss of control of the vocal muscles during speech secondary to laryngeal muscle spasms. The pathophysiology is not well understood. Deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) for other focal dystonias has been well reported. Methods We report the first case of bilateral thalamic DBS improving spasmodic dystonia (SD) in a patient with essential tremor. Results This case demonstrates the beneficial of effects of bilateral thalamic DBS for both ET of the hands and AdSD of the vocal cords. Conclusions The potential pathophysiologic mechanisms of this finding are discussed.