BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation of the internal pallidum (GPi-DBS) is 
effective for various types of drug-refractory primary dystonias. Rare clinical 
forms as dystonic camptocormia may profit but available data are scarce.
METHODS: We here report on a retrospective clinical assessment of three patients 
with primary dystonic camptocormia treated with GPi-DBS.
RESULTS: All three patients showed marked response to bilateral GPi-DBS within 
days to weeks after surgery which was preserved in the long-term (38-45 months 
after implantation: mean improvement 82% as rated on the Burke Fahn Marsden 
Dystonia Rating Scale, 89% in the subitem "trunk"). Two patients developed mild 
stimulation induced speech problems (stuttering or dysarthria) which resolved 
with reprogramming or were acceptable in return for the control of dystonic 
symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis and treatment of camptocormia will continue to 
require expert knowledge in movement and neuromuscular disorders, but DBS may 
expand treatment options in this difficult patient population.