Meige syndrome is a rare and debilitating movement disorder characterized by blepharospasm, oromandibular dystonia, and cervical muscle contractions, often refractory to pharmacological therapies. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), initially developed to treat essential tremor and Parkinson's disease, has been explored in recent years as a potential treatment for various dystonias, including Meige's syndrome. This clinical study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bilateral single-electrode ventralis oralis (VO) nucleus stimulation combined with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in patients with Meige syndrome.
While deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or the globus pallidus interna (GPi) has shown moderate efficacy, incomplete symptom relief and high stimulation thresholds with associated side effects remain significant limitations. Emerging evidence suggests that dual-target neuromodulation combining STN with ventralis oralis (VO) nucleus stimulation may synergistically modulate hyperactive basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits, potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes.The study will involve patients diagnosed with Meige syndrome who are eligible for DBS therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups.The primary outcome measure is the improvement in motor symptoms, assessed using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes will include changes in quality of life, anxiety and depression scores, and any adverse effects related to the DBS procedure.The results of this study will be used to guide future clinical trials and inform the treatment options for patients with Meige syndrome.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
20
bilateral single-electrode VO combined with STN target implantation
Huashan Hospital, Fudan University.
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
RECRUITINGImprovement of primary symptoms
Scale title: Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale Section I: Motor subscale (0-120) Section II: Disability scale (0-30) Higher scores: Indicate worse outcomes (more severe dystonia symptoms).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
Improvement of symptoms
Scale title: Jankovic Rating Scale Minimum value: 0 (No dystonia) Maximum value: 8 (Severe dystonia) Higher scores: Indicate worse outcomes (more severe dystonia symptoms).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
Improvement of symptoms
Scale title: Blepharospasm Disability Index Minimum value: 0 (No disability) Maximum value: 24 (Severe disability) Higher scores: Indicate worse outcomes (more severe disability due to blepharospasm).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
Improvement of symptoms
Scale title: Oromandibular Dystonia Questionnaire Minimum value: 0 (No symptoms or disability) Maximum value: 100 (Severe disability) Higher scores: Indicate worse outcomes (more disability due to oromandibular dystonia).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
Improvement of symptoms
Scale title: Oromandibular Dystonia Rating Scale Minimum value: 0 (No dystonia) Maximum value: 314 (Severe dystonia) Higher scores: Indicate worse outcomes (more severe oromandibular dystonia symptoms).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
Psychological assessment
Scale title: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Minimum value: 0 (No anxiety) Maximum value: 56 (Severe anxiety) Higher scores: Indicate worse outcomes (more severe anxiety).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
Psychological assessment
Scale title: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Minimum value: 0 (No depression) Maximum value: 52 (Severe depression) Higher scores: Indicate worse outcomes (more severe depression).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
Cognitive assessment
Scale title: Mini-Mental State Examination Minimum value: 0 (Severe cognitive impairment) Maximum value: 30 (No cognitive impairment) Higher scores: Indicate better outcomes (better cognitive function).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
Cognitive assessment
Scale title: Montreal Cognitive Assessment Minimum value: 0 (Severe cognitive impairment) Maximum value: 30 (No cognitive impairment) Higher scores: Indicate better outcomes (better cognitive function).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
health-related quality of life
Scale title:Short Form 36 Health Survey The SF-36 is a widely used tool to assess general health status and quality of life. It includes 36 items that measure eight health domains: Physical functioning Role limitations due to physical health problems Role limitations due to emotional problems Energy/fatigue Emotional well-being Social functioning Pain General health perceptions Each of the domains is scored separately, and the overall score can reflect a person's physical and mental health. Minimum value: 0 (Worst health status) Maximum value: 100 (Best health status) Higher scores: Indicate better outcomes (better health-related quality of life).
Time frame: 1 year after stimulation
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.