Focal Leg Dystonia Associated with Cerebellar Infarction and Application of Low-Frequency Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Evidence of Topographically Specific Cerebellar Contribution to Dystonia Development

Abstract

The cerebellum has recently been highlighted as a key neural substrate responsible for dystonia. A 57-year-old female presented with isolated focal leg dystonia that developed 8 years after acute cerebellar infarction. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed an old cerebellar infarct in the right anterior cerebellum. Low-frequency cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the right cerebellum partially improved dystonia in this patient. This case provides valuable evidence on cerebellar mechanisms related to the development of dystonia in a topographically specific manner. Cerebellar brain stimulation can be a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with dystonia. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.