Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

A Novel Approach to Assess Motor Outcome of Deep Brain Stimulation Effects in the Hemiparkinsonian Rat: Staircase and Cylinder Test
Published on: May 31, 2016
[Can subthalamic nucleus stimulation reveal parkinsonian rest tremor?]
H El Otmani1, N Jodoin, S Yaici
1Fédération des maladies du système nerveux, Inserm U679, centre d'investigation clinique, CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France. hichamotmani@hotmail.com
Introduction:
Rest tremor, one of the main symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), is dramatically improved following subthalamic nucleus stimulation (STN). Results are often better than after l-dopa treatment. The occurrence of rest tremor after neurosurgery in patients without preoperative tremor is uncommon.
Aim:
The aim of this work was to investigate the role of subthalamic nucleus stimulation in the appearance of parkinsonian rest tremor. PATIENTS-RESULTS: Thirty PD patients (14%) out of 215 undergoing STN deep brain stimulation had an akinetorigid form of the disease, without preoperative tremor 11 years after onset of the disease. Six of them experienced the appearance of tremor six months after bilateral STN stimulation when the stimulator was switched off in the Off medication state. This de novo parkinsonian tremor was improved by l-dopa treatment and disappeared when the stimulator was turned on.
Conclusion:
This finding suggests that infraclinical parkinsonian tremor is probably present in all PD patients.
Related Concept Videos
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson's Disease: Overview

