News

Striatal fast spiking interneurons (FSI) modulate the output of the striatum by synchronizing medium-sized spiny neurons (MSN). Recent studies have broadened our understanding of FSI, showing that they are implicated in severe motor disorders such as Parkinsonism, dystonia and Tourette syndrome. FSI are the only striatal neurons to express the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV). This selective expression of PV raises questions about the functional role of this Ca2+ buffer in controlling FSI Ca2+ dynamics, and, consequently, the FSI spiking mode and neurotransmission.

Background/Aims: This paper describes the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in the treatment of secondary dystonia caused by expisodic ataxia type 2 (EA2). Methods: We present the case of a patient with EA2, an autosomal dominant condition, who developed late-onset cervical and right upper limb segmental dystonia. The patient underwent left GPi DBS. Results: Within 4 months of commencing stimulation of the left GPi, the patient had resolution of his neck pain and was able to keep the head straighter for longer time intervals.