Introduction: Programming of globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems for dystonia is complex because clinical benefits are often gradual. Some groups have advocated starting DBS with higher electrical parameters, whereas others have suggested the opposite. This variability in programming, even within each dystonia subtype, makes it challenging to compare outcomes and program the generators. To determine how variable DBS for dystonia stimulation parameters are, we performed a systematic literature review., Methods: A comprehensive systematic literature search for GPi DBS stimulation parameters used in dystonia was performed in PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases., Results: Of 813 publications retrieved from individual search engines, 593 were eligible for review and 401 publications were excluded. Data were extracted from 192 publications representing 1505 patients and 2964 electrodes. Stimulation amplitude averaged 3.3 V ± 0.6 V and frequency 131 Hz ± 5 Hz. Three different common pulse widths were identified at 112 ± 31 μs, 203 ± 22 μs, and 446 ± 8 μs., Conclusions: Despite anecdotal reports using low frequencies or pulse widths and variability in DBS stimulation parameters required to treat dystonia, there is consistency in amplitude and frequencies utilized. Some dystonia subtypes may improve with specific pulse widths. This review emphasizes the importance of complete data reporting in the literature and suggests that large prospective controlled blinded studies and international registries are needed to understand and optimize DBS settings for dystonia., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)