Ultrasound-Guided Cryoneurolysis for Peripherally Induced Dystonia After Non-neurological Surgery: A Case Series.
Arun Kalava, Alvaro Soto Rincon
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
Three female patients aged 37 to 63 presented with refractory dystonia following non-neurological surgery, initially misdiagnosed as spasticity. Ultrasound-guided diagnostic nerve blocks identified the peripheral motor nerve sources, leading to targeted cryoneurolysis. All patients experienced significant pain reduction of 5 to 6 points on the NRS and maintained motor and functional improvements for 6 to 9 months.
What made this case unusual
This case series is notable for being the first report of using diagnostic nerve block-guided cryoneurolysis specifically for peripherally induced dystonia.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider peripheral nerve injury as a potential cause of dystonia in patients with a history of non-neurological surgery, as it may be misdiagnosed as spasticity.
Why it matters
Understanding the role of peripheral nerve injury in dystonia can improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches for affected patients.