Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41981892›Full record

ArticleBrain and behavior2026

Reviving Hope: Overcoming Deep Brain Stimulation Failure With Partial Cranial Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation in Primary Meige Syndrome.

Xue Li, Min Yan, Bing Huang, Lina Yu, Huabo Liu, Hao Huang, Ming Yao

Abstract readCase Reports
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in Brain and behavior, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Xue LiPain Management Center, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Min YanPain Management Center, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Bing HuangPain Management Center, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Lina YuZhejiang Key Laboratory of Pain Perception and Neuromodulation, Hangzhou, China.
Huabo LiuDepartment of Anesthesiology, Zhoushan Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, China.
Hao HuangPain Management Center, Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Ming YaoDepartment of Pain Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China.

Funding

Leading Health Talents of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Health Office No. 18(2020)The National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Project of China 2021 2021-LCZDZK-01Zhejiang Clinovation Pride CXTD202501020Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pain Perception and NeuromodulationZhejiang Provincial Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan 2025KY855,2025KY1801
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is a standard treatment for refractory primary Meige syndrome (PMS), yet 30%-50% of patients experience suboptimal outcomes. Management strategies for these "DBS failures" remain undefined. This study evaluates the efficacy of partial cranial nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a salvage therapy for this challenging population.

methodsWe report a retrospective series of three PMS patients classified as "DBS non-responders" based on clinical refractory status or ineligibility for lead revision. Patients underwent imaging-guided partial RFA of the facial nerve (for blepharospasm) and/or mandibular nerve (for oromandibular dystonia). The procedure utilized a graded thermal protocol, titrated strictly to a mild, controlled functional impairment clinical endpoints.

resultsImmediate symptom remission was achieved in all cases. The Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) Movement subscores decreased significantly (e.g., from 9 to 0 in Case 1, and 14 to 0.5 in Case 2). Procedural sequelae, including mild facial paralysis and masticatory weakness, were transient and resolved within 3-6 months. One patient experienced symptom recurrence at 14 months, which was successfully managed via repeat RFA.

conclusionPartial cranial nerve RFA is a feasible, effective, and repeatable salvage therapy for PMS following DBS failure. By targeting the peripheral conduction pathway, it offers a distinct mechanism of action and a practical alternative when central neuromodulation proves insufficient. Future studies with larger cohorts are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.

Indexed as

Cranial NervesDeep Brain StimulationMeige SyndromeRadiofrequency AblationAdultAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesTreatment FailureTreatment Outcomecranial nervedeep brain stimulationprimary Meige syndromeradiofrequency ablation

Identifiers

PMID41981892
PMCPMC13079960

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.