Orthostatic Tremor Responds to Bilateral Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation. (20th February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lyons, Mark K.; Behbahani, Mandana; Boucher, Orland K.; Caviness, John N.; Evidente, Virgilio Gerald H.
• Editors: Louis, Elan D.
• Is Part Of: Tremor and other hyperkinetic movements. Volume 2(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-02-20
• Subjects: Orthostatic tremor -- deep brain stimulation -- thalamus; Tremor -- Periodicals; Hyperkinesia -- Periodicals; 616.8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2160-8288

Abstract

Background: Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a disabling movement disorder manifested by postural and gait disturbance. Primarily a condition of elderly people, it can be progressive in up to 15% of patients. The primary treatments are medications that are often ineffective. Case Report: A 75-year-old male presented with a 10-year history of progressive and disabling OT. He had tried various medications without significant benefits. He underwent bilateral thalamic Vim deep brain stimulation (DBS). At 30-month follow-up, he has had continued significant improvement of his OT. Discussion: Bilateral thalamic DBS may be a viable option for medically refractory OT.