The Application of Goal Attainment Scaling in Cervical Dystonia - An Exploratory Observational Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Due to its heterogeneous manifestation an individualized approach to reach therapeutic goals in cervical dystonia (CD) is advantageous. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to adapt goal attainment scaling (GAS) to drive the management of CD. METHODS: 38 patients with CD, regularly treated with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), were involved in the current exploratory observational pilot study. GAS, including domains of motor, pain, disability, and psychiatric features, was applied to set up individualized goals with the calculation of initial GAS T-scores. Following at least 4 BoNT injection cycles, patients were reassessed whether they reached the pre-set goals. RESULTS: The initial GAS T-scores (median 36.9, range 22.8-40) significantly improved (P < 0.001) to the end of the study (the median of final GAS T-scores 50, range 25.5-63.6). CONCLUSIONS: The applicability of GAS in CD patients was confirmed, but further large-scale studies are needed refining this innovative approach.