Long-term safety and efficacy of unilateral deep brain stimulation of the thalamus in essential tremor.

摘要: Our objective was to investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of unilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) VIM nucleus thalamus in essential tremor. Forty-nine patients were evaluated for DBS between December 1993 March 1998. Tremor assessed by a clinical rating scale at 3 12 months then yearly. Three not implanted, seven explanted prior 24 months, 11 lost follow-up, three died from unrelated causes. Twenty-five with follow-up greater than or equal 2 years. The last postsurgical occurred on average 40.2 +/- 14.7 after surgery. scores significantly improved as compared baseline. There no change tremor baseline off. significant any stimulus parameters follow-up. had asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages one patient postoperative seizures. Stimulus-related adverse reactions mild easily controlled changes parameters. Device-related complications common required repeated surgical procedures. Unilateral has some treatment However, this therapy is compromised loss device which increase risk additional