Dual-target deep brain stimulation for severe pediatric autism: Sustained core symptom reduction in a 12-month case study.
Ming Shi, Junhao Hu, Jiasheng Pei et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 9-year-old girl with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability underwent bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the anterior limb of the internal capsule and nucleus accumbens. Significant improvements in core ASD symptoms were observed at 3 months post-surgery, with sustained reductions in standardized assessment scores over 12 months. No adverse events were reported.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
This case highlights the potential of bilateral dual-target DBS as a novel intervention for improving core symptoms of severe ASD in pediatric patients.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that targeting both the anterior limb of the internal capsule and nucleus accumbens may enhance treatment options for severe ASD, an area with limited effective interventions.