A comparison of continuous thalamic stimulation and thalamotomy for suppression of severe tremor
Article Abstract:
Thalamic stimulation appears to be effective in treating people with tremors that are not adequately treated by drugs. Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis are two diseases that can cause tremors. Researchers randomly assigned 68 patients with uncontrollable tremor to receive thalamic stimulation or surgical removal of the thalamus. The thalamus is an area of the brain. Thalamic stimulation involves sending an electrical impulse to the area via electrodes implanted in the brain. Ninety-one percent of the patients who received thalamic stimulation benefited from it, compared to 79% of the patients whose thalamus was surgically removed.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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New treatment options for tremors
Article Abstract:
Electric stimulation of a part of the brain called the thalamus may be beneficial in treating tremors. Tremors are most often caused by Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, but others have a movement disorders such as dystonia or essential tremor. A study showed that electric stimulation delivered by electrodes implanted in the thalamus was effective in treating tremor. Electric stimulation is believed to inhibit nerve activity in the thalamus. However, only Parkinson's patients may benefit from stimulation of the thalamus. In other patients with tremor, other parts of the brain may be involved.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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A randomized trial of deep-brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
Article Abstract:
A randomized, controlled trial is performed over a six-month period to compare the effects of neurostimulation of the subthalamic nucleus of the brain with the best medical management on the changes in the quality of life and motor functions in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Findings imply that subthalamic neurostimulation is more effective than medical management alone in patients under 75 years of age with severe motor complications of Parkinson's disease.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2006
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