Should we consider Vim thalamic deep brain stimulation for select cases of severe refractory dystonic tremor

Dystonic tremor, which may present with many different clinical presentations (rhythmic oscillations, abnormal posture, pain, and/or a null point) has proven to be a challenge for the clinician to effectively treat. Although recent studies have demonstrated excellent outcomes in select cases followi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inStereotactic and functional neurosurgery Vol. 88; no. 2; p. 98
Main Authors Morishita, Takashi, Foote, Kelly D, Haq, Ihtsham U, Zeilman, Pamela, Jacobson, Charles E, Okun, Michael S
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Switzerland 01.01.2010
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Databases, Factual
Deep Brain Stimulation - methods
Dystonic Disorders - physiopathology
Dystonic Disorders - therapy
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Severity of Illness Index
Tremor - physiopathology
Tremor - therapy
Ventral Thalamic Nuclei - physiology
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Summary:Dystonic tremor, which may present with many different clinical presentations (rhythmic oscillations, abnormal posture, pain, and/or a null point) has proven to be a challenge for the clinician to effectively treat. Although recent studies have demonstrated excellent outcomes in select cases following deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the internal globus pallidus, the optimal target for dystonia and particularly for dystonic tremor remains unknown. We report 3 cases of dystonic tremor which were successfully addressed through the use of ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) DBS. We also review the literature concerning the efficacy of Vim DBS for addressing dystonia. This case series illustrates the potential use of Vim DBS for select cases of dystonic tremor.
ISSN:1423-0372
DOI:10.1159/000289354