Bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation for the treatment of head tremor

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 615-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caglar Berk ◽  
Christopher R. Honey
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Essential Tremor ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Head Tremor ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Clinical Rating Scale ◽  
Deep Brain

✓ Isolated head tremor is rare, but can be disabling. The authors' experience with the treatment of limb tremor due to essential tremor led them to consider using bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) in two patients presenting only with disabling head tremor. One patient exhibited no peripheral tremor and the other displayed only a slight upper-limb tremor. Both patients underwent placement of units that apply simultaneous bilateral thalamic DBS. Surgical targets were verified by using intraoperative macrostimulation, and the stimulators were implanted during the same surgery. Patients were videotaped preoperatively and at 2, 4, 6, and 9 months postoperatively during periods in which the stimulators were turned on and off. Videotapes were randomized and rated for resting, postural, and action tremors according to the Fahn clinical rating scale for tremor. Because this scale is not designed for head tremor, the patients were also evaluated on the basis of a functional scale that reflected their quality of life and the amount of disability caused by head tremor. Both patients experienced no tremor after their stimulators were turned on and properly adjusted at the 6th postoperative week. The patients were followed for a total of 9 months and results remained stable throughout this period. No complications were encountered. Bilateral thalamic DBS appears to be an effective and safe treatment for isolated head tremor in patients with essential tremor. The authors present a scale for the functional assessment of head tremor.

Pallidal deep brain stimulation for longstanding severe generalized dystonia in Hallervorden—Spatz syndrome

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 706-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi Umemura ◽  
Jurg L. Jaggi ◽  
Carol A. Dolinskas ◽  
Matthew B. Stern ◽  
Gordon H. Baltuch
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Motor Functioning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pallidal Stimulation ◽  
Upper And Lower Extremities ◽  
Generalized Dystonia ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Deep Brain

✓ Generalized dystonia is one of the most disabling movement disorders. Ablative stereotactic surgery such as pallidotomy has been performed for medically refractory dystonia. Recently, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has appeared as an alternative to ablative procedures. Nevertheless, there have been few published reports detailing improvement in dystonia with DBS. This 36-year-old man with Hallervorden—Spatz syndrome suffered from intractable primary generalized dystonia for 28 years. He was completely dependent for activities of daily living and wheelchair bound because of continuous severe dystonic movements in the face, tongue, neck, trunk, and upper and lower extremities while at rest. The Burke-Fahn-Marsden (BFM) Dystonia Rating Scale score was 112 (maximum 120 points). Bilateral DBS of the globus pallidus internus was performed and resulted in marked improvement in motor functioning and dystonic symptoms with a significant reduction in disability. The BFM score improved to 22.5 points (80% improvement) at 3 months postsurgery and the patient's dystonia was still well suppressed 1 year after surgery. Bilateral pallidal stimulation is an effective and safe treatment for intractable generalized dystonia in Hallervorden—Spatz syndrome, even if the disability is severe and longstanding.

Long-term benefits in quality of life after unilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation for essential tremor

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 156-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jules M. Nazzaro ◽  
Rajesh Pahwa ◽  
Kelly E. Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Essential Tremor ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Deep Brain

Object The goal of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term benefits in quality of life (QOL) after unilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor (ET). Methods Patients who received unilateral DBS of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus between 1997 and 2010 and who had at least 1 follow-up evaluation at least 1 year after surgery were included. Their QOL was assessed with the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), and ET was measured with the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin tremor rating scale (TRS) prior to surgery and then postoperatively with the stimulation in the on mode. Results Ninety-one patients (78 at 1 year; 42 at 2–7 years [mean 4 years]; and 22 at > 7–12 years [mean 9 years]) were included in the analysis. The TRS total, targeted tremor, and activities of daily living (ADL) scores were significantly improved compared with presurgical scores up to 12 years. The PDQ-39 ADL, emotional well-being, stigma, and total scores were significantly improved up to 7 years after surgery compared with presurgical scores. At the longest follow-up, only the PDQ-39 stigma score was significantly improved, and the PDQ-39 mobility score was significantly worsened. Conclusions Unilateral thalamic stimulation significantly reduces ET and improves ADL scores for up to 12 years after surgery, as measured by the TRS. The PDQ-39 total score and the domains of ADL, emotional well-being, and stigma were significantly improved up to 7 years. Although scores were improved compared with presurgery, other than stigma, these benefits did not remain significant at the longest (up to 12 years) follow-up, probably related in part to changes due to aging and comorbidities.

Thalamic deep brain stimulation for the treatment of tremor due to multiple sclerosis: a prospective study of tremor and quality of life

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 815-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caglar Berk ◽  
Jason Carr ◽  
Marci Sinden ◽  
Jeff Martzke ◽  
Christopher R. Honey
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postoperative Changes ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Deep Brain

Object. In several studies a significant reduction in tremor after thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been reported among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It has not been determined if this results in an improved quality of life. In this study the authors prospectively evaluated the effects of thalamic DBS on tremor and quality of life. Methods. Videotapes of the patients' tremor were made preoperatively and 2 and 12 months postoperatively, and tremor was scored by a neurologist blinded to the treatment. Patients were tested pre- and postoperatively to measure any changes in their reported ability to perform selected activities of daily living and in their health-related quality of life. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire about their satisfaction with the surgery. Postoperative changes were examined using paired t-tests. There were significant reductions in postural, action, and overall tremor at 2 and 12 months postoperatively. The patients' reported ability to feed themselves was significantly improved 2 months after surgery (p = 0.01). There were short-term trends toward improvement in reported dressing ability, personal hygiene, and writing. There were no significant changes in the SF-36 subscales or total score. Conclusions. In this cohort of patients with MS who suffered from tremor, thalamic DBS significantly improved their tremor and ability to feed themselves. Patient satisfaction with the procedure, however, was variable. Preoperative patient education about what functions might (and might not) be improved is crucial to avoid unrealistic expectations. Our results indicate that younger patients with MS tremor who had a shorter disease duration and no superimposed ataxia benefited most from this surgery.

Bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in patients with Parkinson disease: a study of efficacy and safety

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 666-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya Simuni ◽  
Jurg L. Jaggi ◽  
Heather Mulholland ◽  
Howard I. Hurtig ◽  
Amy Colcher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Subthalamic Nucleus ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Bilateral Stimulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Preoperative Status ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Deep Brain ◽  
Stimulation Of

Object. Palliative neurosurgery has reemerged as a valid therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD) that is complicated by severe motor fluctuations. Despite great enthusiasm for long-term deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), existing reports on this treatment are limited. The present study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of bilateral stimulation of the STN for the treatment of PD. Methods. In 12 patients with severe PD, electrodes were stereotactically implanted into the STN with the assistance of electrophysiological conformation of the target location. All patients were evaluated preoperatively during both medication-off and -on conditions, as well as postoperatively at 3, 6, and 12 months during medication-on and -off states and stimulation-on and -off conditions. Tests included assessments based on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and timed motor tests. The stimulation effect was significant in patients who were in the medication-off state, resulting in a 47% improvement in the UPDRS Part III (Motor Examination) score at 12 months, compared with preoperative status. The benefit was stable for the duration of the follow-up period. Stimulation produced no additional benefit during the medication-on state, however, when compared with patient preoperative status. Significant improvements were made in reducing dyskinesias, fluctuations, and duration of off periods. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that DBS of the STN is an effective treatment for patients with advanced, medication-refractory PD. Deep brain stimulation of the STN produced robust improvements in motor performance in these severely disabled patients while they were in the medication-off state. Serious adverse events were common in this cohort; however, only two patients suffered permanent sequelae.

scholarly journals Longitudinal follow-up with VIM thalamic deep brain stimulation for dystonic or essential tremor

Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (10) ◽  
pp. e1073-e1084 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Tsuboi ◽  
Zakia Jabarkheel ◽  
Pamela R. Zeilman ◽  
Matthew J. Barabas ◽  
Kelly D. Foote ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Essential Tremor ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Ventral Intermediate Nucleus ◽  
Deep Brain

ObjectiveTo assess longitudinal tremor outcomes with ventral intermediate nucleus deep brain stimulation (VIM DBS) in patients with dystonic tremor (DT) and to compare with DBS outcomes in essential tremor (ET).MethodsWe retrospectively investigated VIM DBS outcomes for 163 patients followed at our center diagnosed with either DT or ET. The Fahn-Tolosa-Marin tremor rating scale (TRS) was used to assess change in tremor and activities of daily living (ADL) at 6 months, 1 year, 2–3 years, 4–5 years, and ≥6 years after surgery.ResultsTwenty-six patients with DT and 97 patients with ET were analyzed. Compared to preoperative baseline, there were significant improvements in TRS motor up to 4–5 years (52.2%; p = 0.032) but this did not reach statistical significance at ≥6 years (46.0%, p = 0.063) in DT, which was comparable to the outcomes in ET. While the improvements in the upper extremity tremor, head tremor, and axial tremor were also comparable between DT and ET throughout the follow-up, the ADL improvements in DT were lost at 2–3 years follow-up.ConclusionOverall, tremor control with VIM DBS in DT and ET was comparable and remained sustained at long term likely related to intervention at the final common node in the pathologic tremor network. However, the long-term ADL improvements in DT were not sustained, possibly due to inadequate control of concomitant dystonia symptoms. These findings from a large cohort of DT indicate that VIM targeting is reasonable if the tremor is considerably more disabling than the dystonic features.Classification of evidenceThis study provides Class IV evidence that VIM DBS improves tremor in patients with DT or ET.

Deep brain stimulation in Parkinson disease: a metaanalysis of patient outcomes

2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 956-967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances Weaver ◽  
Kenneth Follett ◽  
Kwan Hur ◽  
Dolores Ippolito ◽  
Matthew Stern
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Characteristics ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Deep Brain

Object. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat advanced Parkinson disease (PD) has been focused on one of two anatomical targets: the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the globus pallidus internus (GPI). Authors of more than 65 articles have reported on bilateral DBS outcomes. With one exception, these studies involved pre- and postintervention comparisons of a single target. Despite the paucity of data directly comparing STN and GPI DBS, many clinicians already consider the STN to be the preferred target site. In this study the authors conducted a metaanalysis of the existing literature on patient outcomes following DBS of the STN and the GPI. Methods. This metaanalysis includes 31 STN and 14 GPI studies. Motor function improved significantly following stimulation (54% in patients whose STN was targeted and 40% in those whose GPI was stimulated), with effect sizes (ESs) of 2.59 and 2.04, respectively. After controlling for participant and study characteristics, patients who had undergone either STN or GPI DBS experienced comparable improved motor function following surgery (p = 0.094). The performance of activities of daily living improved significantly in patients with either target (40%). Medication requirements were significantly reduced following stimulation of the STN (ES = 1.51) but did not change when the GPI was stimulated (ES = −0.02). Conclusions. In this analysis the authors highlight the need for uniform, detailed reporting of comprehensive motor and nonmotor DBS outcomes at multiple time points and for a randomized trial of bilateral STN and GPI DBS.

Long-term deep brain stimulation in elderly patients with cardiac pacemakers

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Holger Capelle ◽  
Richard K. Simpson ◽  
Martin Kronenbuerger ◽  
Jochen Michaelsen ◽  
Volker Tronnier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Movement Disorders ◽  
Cardiac Pacemakers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Systems ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Deep Brain ◽  
Stimulation Of

Object. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become an accepted therapy for movement disorders such as Parkinson disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET), when these conditions are refractory to medical treatment. The presence of a cardiac pacemaker is still considered a contraindication for DBS in functional neurosurgery. The goal of this study was to evaluate the technical and clinical management of DBS for the treatment of movement disorders in elderly patients with cardiac pacemakers. Methods. Six patients with cardiac pacemakers underwent clinical and cardiac examinations to analyze the safety of DBS in the treatment of movement disorders. Four patients suffered from advanced PD and two patients had ET. The mean age of these patients at surgery was 69.5 years (range 63–79 years). The settings of the pacemakers were programmed in a manner considered to minimize the chance of interference between the two systems. There were no adverse events during surgery. Four patients underwent stimulation of the thalamic ventralis intermedius nucleus (VIM), and two patients stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. In general, bipolar sensing was chosen for the cardiac pacemakers. In all but one patient the quadripolar DBS electrodes were programmed for bipolar stimulation. Several control electrocardiography studies, including 24-hour monitoring, did not show any interference between the two systems. At the time this paper was written the patients had been followed up for a mean of 25.3 months (range 4–48 months). Conclusions. In certain conditions it is safe for patients with cardiac pacemakers to receive DBS for treatment of concomitant movement disorders. Cardiac pacemakers should not be viewed as a general contraindication for DBS in patients with movement disorders.

Psychiatric symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease presenting for deep brain stimulation surgery

2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Voon ◽  
Jean Saint-Cyr ◽  
Andres M. Lozano ◽  
Elena Moro ◽  
Yu Yan Poon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
General Population ◽  
Parkinson Disease ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Axis I ◽  
Depression Scales ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Deep Brain

Object. Postoperative psychiatric symptoms have been associated with subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson disease (PD), and preoperative psychiatric vulnerability, the effects of surgery, stimulation, medication changes, and psychosocial adjustment have been proposed as causative factors. The variables involved in whether preoperative psychiatric symptoms improve or worsen following surgery are not yet known. In the present study, preoperative psychiatric symptoms were systematically assessed in patients with PD presenting for routine preoperative psychiatric assessment. Methods. Forty consecutive patients with PD presenting for DBS were interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Current depressive symptoms were quantified using clinician- and patient-rated depression scales. Seventy-eight percent of patients had at least one lifetime or current Axis I psychiatric diagnosis. The prevalence of depression was 60% (95% confidence interval [CI] 45–85), psychosis 35% (95% CI 25–50), and anxiety 40% (95% CI 25–55). These prevalence rates were comparable to or greater than those in the general population of patients with PD. Twenty-three percent of patients required psychiatric treatment for current symptoms prior to being considered eligible for DBS. Conclusions. As part of the selection process for surgery, members of the study population were chosen for their lack of overt dementia or other active disabling psychiatric symptomatology. The incidence rates of psychiatric disorders, including those diseases occurring in the general population affected with PD, were greater than expected. Data in the present study lead one to question the reliability of patient-rated depression scales as the sole instrument for assessing depression. The authors highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines in the management of these preoperative symptoms as well as the involvement of psychiatric personnel in the assessment and management of these symptoms.

Magnetic resonance imaging stereotactic target localization for deep brain stimulation in dystonic children

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (5) ◽  
pp. 784-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Vayssiere ◽  
Simone Hemm ◽  
Michel Zanca ◽  
Marie Christine Picot ◽  
Alain Bonafe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
General Anesthesia ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Target Localization ◽  
Electrode Implantation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Deep Brain

Object. The actual distortion present in a given series of magnetic resonance (MR) images is difficult to establish. The purpose of this study was to validate an MR imaging—based methodology for stereotactic targeting of the internal globus pallidus during electrode implantation in children in whom general anesthesia had been induced.Methods. Twelve children (mean follow up 1 year) suffering from generalized dystonia were treated with deep brain stimulation by using a head frame and MR imaging. To analyze the influence of distortions at every step of the procedure, the geometrical characteristics of the frame were first controlled using the localizer as a phantom. Then pre- and postoperative coordinates of fixed anatomical landmarks and electrode positions, both determined with the head frame in place, were statistically compared.No significant difference was observed between theoretical and measured dimensions of the localizer (Student's t-test, |t| > 2.2 for 12 patients) in the x, y, and z directions.No significant differences were observed (Wilcoxon paired-sample test) between the following: 1) pre- and postoperative coordinates of the anterior commissure (AC) (Δx = 0.3 ± 0.29 mm and Δy = 0.34 ± 0.32 mm) and posterior commissure (PC) (Δx = 0.15 ± 0.18 mm and Δy = 0.34 ± 0.25 mm); 2) pre- and postoperative AC—PC distance (ΔL = 0.33 ± 0.22 mm); and 3) preoperative target and final electrode position coordinates (Δx = 0.24 ± 0.22 mm; Δy = 0.19 ± 0.16 mm).Conclusions. In the authors' center, MR imaging distortions did not induce detectable errors during stereotactic surgery in dystonic children. Target localization and electrode implantation could be achieved using MR imaging alone after induction of general anesthesia. The remarkable postoperative improvement in these patients confirmed the accuracy of the procedure (Burke—Marsden—Fahn Dystonia Rating Scale score Δ = −83.8%).

Camptocormia treated with bilateral pallidal stimulation

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 461-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipankar Nandi ◽  
Simon Parkin ◽  
Richard Scott ◽  
Jonathan L. Winter ◽  
Carole Joint ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Brain Stimulation ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Functional Benefit ◽  
Pallidal Stimulation ◽  
Neuropsychological Evaluations ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Deep Brain

✓ The authors report the neurological, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological effects of using long-term bilateral pallidal high-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a case of disabling camptocormia. Deep brain stimulation electrodes were implanted stereotactically to target the globus pallidus internus (GPi) bilaterally. Local field potentials (FPs) were recorded using the DBS electrodes and concurrent abdominal flexor electromyography (EMG) potentials during camptocormic episodes. Videotaped assessments of the movement disorder and neuropsychological evaluations of the patient before implantation and 6 months after initiation of pallidal stimulation were recorded. There was significant functional improvement following long-term pallidal stimulation, and some improvement was noted in neuropsychological scores. A temporal correlation between the GPi FPs and EMG-recorded rectus abdominis potentials was evident. There were no treatment-related adverse effects. The authors have found that long-term pallidal stimulation was safe and offered functional benefit to a patient with this severely disabling condition. The physiological studies may help further the understanding of the pathophysiology of this rare entity.

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