IS THALAMIC STIMULATION MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THALAMOTOMY?
Thalamic stimulation is preferable to thalamotomy for improving function in patients with drug-resistant tremor, according to a report in the February 17 New England Journal of Medicine. Although the therapies are equally effective for tremor suppression, thalamic stimulation is associated with fewer side effects and results in greater functional improvements, researchers reported. The researchers recruited 68 subjects with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, or multiple sclerosis who had unilateral or bilateral tremor of the arms. The patients were randomized to receive thalamic stimulation or thalamotomy. Those with unilateral tremor had an electrode implanted or underwent unilateral thalamotomy. Those with bilateral tremor had bilateral electrodes implanted or underwent unilateral thalamotomy directed at the hand with the most severe tremor, followed by contralateral implantation of an electrode six months later. All patients were assessed before surgery and at three-month interv
