Long-term results of stereotaxy in the treatment of essential tremor

Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 1990:54-55:125-9. doi: 10.1159/000100201.

Abstract

In patients with severe tremor that is resistant to drug therapy, stereotactic coagulation can achieve a satisfactory and lasting reduction of the movement disorders. Very few long-term studies have been conducted following stereotactic operations. From 1964 to 1984, 104 patients with a diagnosis of essential tremor were operated on in the Division of Stereotaxy and Neuronuclear Medicine. After an average follow-up period of 8.6 years, 65 patients were examined. In 80%, the success of the stereotactic operation was still evident. Complete disappearance or substantial reduction of the tremor was determined in 69% and moderate improvement in 11.9% of the patients.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diencephalon / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Stereotaxic Techniques*
  • Thalamic Nuclei / surgery
  • Tremor / surgery*