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

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.