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Tremor induced by toluene misuse successfully treated by a Vim thalamotomy
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Kaizuka Hospital, 7-7-27 Hakozaki, Japan.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|May 18, 1999
Summary
Toluene misuse can cause persistent hand tremors, potentially due to basal ganglia and thalamus damage. Surgical intervention on the thalamus (Vim thalamotomy) can effectively treat severe, irreversible toluene-induced tremors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Toluene misuse is associated with neurological deficits.
- Tremors are a potential symptom of chronic toluene exposure.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male presented with a 5 Hz tremor in his right hand after 7 years of toluene misuse.
- MRI revealed reduced signal intensity in the basal ganglia, red nucleus, and thalamus.
Findings:
- Stereotactic coagulation of the left nucleus ventrointermedius (Vim) of the thalamus eliminated the tremor.
- The findings suggest rubral lesions contribute to toluene-induced tremors.
Implications:
- Toluene-induced tremor appears to be an irreversible condition.
- Vim thalamotomy is a viable treatment option for medically intractable cases.