Deep Brain Stimulation for Post-Stroke Movement Disorders of Various Etiologies: An Individual Participant Data (IPD) Meta-Analysis

Kinfe T, Pandey S, Regensburger M, Zaubitzer M, Schilling A, Brenner S (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Brain and Behavior Wiley

Book Volume: 16

Article Number: e71270

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1002/brb3.71270

Abstract

Background: Post-stroke movement disorders consisting of complex involuntary movement patterns with parkinsonism, dystonia, hemiballismus/hemichorea, and tremor represent a therapeutical challenge. Deep brain stimulation has been considered an effective treatment option, although it remains unclear which DBS targets should be approached. Methods: An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted analyzing the efficacy (Burke Fahn Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFM)-motor/-disability and the Fahn-Tolosa-Marín Scale for tremor (FTMTRS)) of pallidal (GPi) deep brain stimulation versus thalamic (VIM) versus GPi + VIM. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid Medline, and Scopus were searched from 2000 to 2025. Additionally, correlation/regression analyses (age, duration of disease, stimulation parameters) were performed. Results: Sixteen studies including 32 patients (34.4% male; 65.6% female) were enrolled targeting the GPi (63.2%) versus VIM (23.6%) versus GPi/VIM-DBS (13.2%). Dystonia with tremor was found in 53%, dystonia with hemichorea/choreoathetosis in 50% (age at disease onset: 10 ± 18 years, age at DBS surgery: 37 ± 15 years, disease duration: 28 ± 19 years). GPi-DBS improved dystonia (BFM-motor: 6–12 months p < 0.005 and >12 months p = 0.038; BFM-disability 6–12 months p = 0.038) with no significant/relevant changes for VIM and GPi/VIM. No correlations were determined between DBS outcome and stimulation protocol and demographic characteristics. Adverse events occurred in 19%. Conclusion: DBS is effective for treating post-stroke movement disorders of various etiologies. Given the heterogeneity, selection, and reporting bias, the published data is limited in providing high-quality evidence. Hence, the authors advocate a multifocal DBS approach along with trial stimulation determined under a rigorous study protocol.

Authors with CRIS profile

Martin Regensburger Department of Molecular Neurology

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Mannheim / University Medical Centre Mannheim (Universitätsmedizin Mannheim) DE Germany (DE) Amrita University / Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham IN India (IN)

How to cite

APA:

Kinfe, T., Pandey, S., Regensburger, M., Zaubitzer, M., Schilling, A., & Brenner, S. (2026). Deep Brain Stimulation for Post-Stroke Movement Disorders of Various Etiologies: An Individual Participant Data (IPD) Meta-Analysis. Brain and Behavior, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.71270

MLA:

Kinfe, Thomas, et al. "Deep Brain Stimulation for Post-Stroke Movement Disorders of Various Etiologies: An Individual Participant Data (IPD) Meta-Analysis." Brain and Behavior 16.2 (2026).

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