Long-term follow-up of thalamic deep brain stimulation for essential and parkinsonian tremor

Neurology. 2003 Dec 9;61(11):1601-4. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000096012.07360.1c.

Abstract

Thirteen consecutive patients with thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) were examined serially for 3 to 5 years. Initially, all demonstrated at least 50% improvement in contralateral tremor. At last follow-up, three of eight patients with Parkinson disease no longer used DBS because tremor had markedly improved, and for two, motor fluctuations and levodopa-induced dyskinesias became the major disability, with tremor less troublesome. Two of five patients with essential tremor had contralateral tremor improvement after ongoing stimulation for 2 years; two developed marked tolerance to DBS.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy*
  • Essential Tremor / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / surgery*
  • Thalamus* / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tremor / surgery*