Abstract | OBJECT: 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.
|
Authors | Jules M Nazzaro, Rajesh Pahwa, Kelly E Lyons |
Journal | Journal of neurosurgery
(J Neurosurg)
Vol. 117
Issue 1
Pg. 156-61
(Jul 2012)
ISSN: 1933-0693 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 22519432
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Topics |
- Activities of Daily Living
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Essential Tremor
(etiology, psychology, therapy)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neurosurgical Procedures
(methods)
- Parkinson Disease
(complications)
- Quality of Life
- Thalamus
(physiology)
- Treatment Outcome
|