Author(s)

Jennifer Samuelsson^1*, Patric Blomstedt²

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Umea University Hospital, Umea, Sweden.
²Department of Neurosurgery, Umea University, Umea, Sweden.

Background and Importance: Twiddler’s syndrome is a rare complication of DBS. This condition occurs when the IPG is consciously or inadvertently rotated in its pocket, resulting in torsion and possible dislodgement of implanted electrodes, with subsequent loss of function. Methods: Here we present a patient diagnosed with Twiddler’s syndrome. The patient presented with straining cables at the neck five months after bilateral Gpi DBS and an x-ray demonstrated Twiddler’s syndrome. Initial revision with preventive measures proved futile. After some time the condition recurred, now with dislocation of one of the intracerebral electrodes. In a second revision the IPG was placed under the pectoralis muscle, which has so far prevented further rotation. Results and Conclusion: While Twiddler’s syndrome is fairly uncommon, it remains to be a risk associated with DBS, recognizing the potential risks and signs might allow for preventive measures avoiding dislocation of the intracerebral electrodes.

Twiddler’s Syndrome, IPG, DBS, Complications

Samuelsson, J. and Blomstedt, P. (2014) Twiddler’s Syndrome in a Patient with Dystonic Tremor Treated with DBS. Open Journal of Modern Neurosurgery, 4, 193-195. doi: 10.4236/ojmn.2014.44034.