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Therapy of Movement Disorders pp 175–178Cite as

Treatment of Essential Tremor: Deep Brain Stimulation

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Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventralis intermedialis nucleus of the thalamus (VIM) for essential tremor (ET) is recommended for medication-refractory patients with significant tremor that impacts on activities of daily living or quality of life. Patients should be made fully aware of the potential benefits and complications of surgery and that their expectations are realistic. The most important issues regarding DBS are that the diagnosis is correct, that the patient has had an adequate trial of medical therapy, and that the odds of improvement are substantial when weighed against the risks. Consideration must also be given to physical, psychological, and socioeconomic issues. The potential of DBS to keep patients employed and functioning socially should be the highest priority. Although VIM DBS is the surgical treatment of choice in ET, newer ablative approaches, such as focused ultrasound, should be discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Jean and Paul Amos Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Mahlon R. DeLong MD

Authors
  1. Mahlon R. DeLong MD
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Correspondence to Mahlon R. DeLong MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Frederick Henry Prince Distinguished, Professor in Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Stephen G. Reich

  2. Vance Lanier Chair of Neurology, Professor, Department of Neurology, Director, Jean and Paul Amos Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Stewart A. Factor

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DeLong, M.R. (2019). Treatment of Essential Tremor: Deep Brain Stimulation. In: Reich, S., Factor, S. (eds) Therapy of Movement Disorders. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97897-0_40

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97897-0_40

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  • Publisher Name: Humana, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-97896-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-97897-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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