Electrical stimulation of the posterior subthalamic area for the treatment of intractable proximal tremor

Abstract

A characteristic diphasic pattern of SSEPs reaffirmed the electrophysiological endorsement of this target. Tremors, both proximal and distal, were remarkably improved in all patients. The rate of improvement, as indicated by the total tremor score, was a mean of 81%. Axial tremors in the legs and head were also improved. Most of the contacts associated with remarkable improvement were located in the posterior part of the subthalamic white matter (the zona incerta and prelemniscal radiation). Neither major complications nor neurological deterioration was observed. The authors concluded that DBS of the posterior part of the subthalamic white matter together with SSEP recording is a safe and effective method to ameliorate severe intractable tremors.