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Essential Tremor and Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat a number of movement disorders including essential tremor. DBS is a way to inactivate the thalamus, a structure deep in the brain that coordinates and controls muscle activity, without purposefully destroying the brain. The true cause of essential tremor is still not understood, but it is thought that the abnormal brain activity that causes tremor is processed through the thalamus.

How Effective Is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep brain stimulation provides moderate relief for approximately 90% of patients with essential tremor.

How Does Deep Brain Stimulation Work?

To treat essential tremor with deep brain stimulation, electrodes are placed in the thalamus during surgery. The electrodes are connected by wires to a type of pacemaker device (called an impulse generator, or IPG) implanted under the skin of the chest, below the collarbone. Once activated, the device sends continuous (painless) electrical pulses to the thalamus, blocking the impulses that cause tremors. This has the same effect as thalamotomy without actually destroying parts of the brain.

The IPG can easily be programmed using a computer that sends radio signals to the IPG. Patients are given special magnets so they can externally turn the IPG on or off.


What Are the Pros and Cons of Deep Brain Stimulation?

Advantages of deep brain stimulation include: 

  • It doesn't destroy brain tissue and won't limit future treatment.
  • The device can be removed at any time.
  • It is adjustable.
  • It may be more effective in controlling tremors than thalamotomy

Disadvantages of deep brain stimulation include:

  • The presence of a foreign object in the body may increase the risk of infection.
  • Repeat surgery every three to five years in order to replace the battery in the device.
  • Uncomfortable sensations that may occur during stimulation.

Who Should Consider Deep Brain Stimulation?


Before considering DBS, all drug options should be tried. Surgery is not recommended if medications can adequately control the disease. However, surgery should be considered for people who do not achieve satisfactory control with medications. Talk to your doctor to see if DBS is right for you.

What Happens During Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery?

There are several ways in which the electrodes are placed into the target areas of the brain during deep brain stimulation surgery. First these areas must be located. One way to locate the target areas is to rely only on CT or MRI scans. While some surgeons stop there, others use an electrode recording technique to map and target the specific areas that they will need to reach.

Once the correct location is identified, the permanent electrodes are implanted in the brain. The loose ends are placed underneath the skin of the head and the incision is closed with sutures.  The wires are attached to a small impulse generator, about the size of a pacemaker, that is placed under the skin  on the upper chest.  Two to four weeks later, the IPG is turned on and adjusted. It may take a few weeks until the stimulators and medications are adjusted before adequate symptom relief is had. But, DBS causes very few side effects.

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