Stimulation of the subthalamic region for essential tremor

• DOI: 10.3171/jns.2004.101.1.0048
• Publication Date: 2009-05-13T18:00:33Z
• Authors: Puneet Plaha; Nikunj K. Patel; Steven S. Gill
• Keywords: Subthalamic Nucleus

Object. The goal of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy bilateral subthalamic region stimulation in treatment essential tremor (ET). Methods. Following induction general anesthesia, four patients with disabling that had proved be refractory pharmacotherapy underwent magnetic resonance imaging—guided deep brain (DBS) region. Tremor assessed by applying Fahn-Tolosa-Marín Rating Scale at baseline again 12-month follow-up examination. surgery total score improved 80.1% (from a mean 63 ± 15.1 11.8 3.9 12 months postoperatively). There significant improvement (p < 0.0001) upper limb (postural action component) from 3 0.9 0.5 postoperatively. In two Score 4 head complete arrest observed months. Motor function scores for drawing spirals, pouring water, lines significantly 0.05) 66.7, 76.9, 58.3%, respectively. Handwriting 68%, but gain not significant. activities daily living 20 3.2; there an 88.8% 2.3 1.5 evaluation. voltage required effective control low (mean 1.8 0.2 V) and, along other parameters DBS (frequency pulse width), did change over period. Tolerance component seen. no procedural or stimulation-related complication. Conclusions. Bilateral is arresting titubation, as well functional disability ET. Complications like dysarthria disequilibrium were These voltages develop tolerance treatment.