Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of DBS in patients with essential tremor. METHODS: Patients treated with DBS for essential tremor for at least 8 years were evaluated in the 'on' and 'off' state using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin tremor rating scale, and their medical records were reviewed to assess complications related to this therapy. RESULTS: We studied 13 patients (7 men): median age at evaluation 79 years (range 47-88), median age at electrode implantation 68 years (range 37-78) and mean time since electrode implantation 132.54±15.3 months (range 114-164). The difference between the 'off' and 'on' state on the motor items of the tremor rating scale was 41.9% (58.62 vs. 34.08, p<0.001) in the non-blinded and 37.2% (56.07 vs. 35.23, p<0.001) in the blinded rating. DBS provided a functional improvement of 31.7% in the 'on' state (15.07 vs. 22.07, p<0.001). A total non-blinded improvement in the tremor rating scale of 39% was observed in the 'on' state (49.15 vs. 80.69, p<0.001). Dysarthria and disequilibrium were common in patients with bilateral stimulation. A DBS-related surgery ( electrode revision or internal pulse generator exchange) was necessary on average every 47.9 months to continue with the DBS therapy. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | José Fidel Baizabal-Carvallo, Melissa N Kagnoff, Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, Robert Fekete, Joseph Jankovic |
Journal | Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
(J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry)
Vol. 85
Issue 5
Pg. 567-72
(May 2014)
ISSN: 1468-330X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 24096713
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Dysarthria
(etiology, physiopathology, prevention & control)
- Essential Tremor
(complications, physiopathology, therapy)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Gait Disorders, Neurologic
(etiology, physiopathology, prevention & control)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Thalamus
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
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