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Targeting thalamic tremor cells in deep brain stimulation for multiple sclerosis-induced complex tremor
Ersoy Kocabicak1, Murat Terzi, Onur Alptekin
1Department of Neurosurgery, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey ; Department of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Surgical Neurology International
|April 23, 2013
Summary
Deep brain stimulation targeting specific tremor cells in the brain significantly improved complex tremor in a multiple sclerosis patient. This neurophysiological approach identified a key target for treating MS-related tremors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Tremor is a significant disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Identifying the optimal brain region for surgical intervention in MS-related tremor remains a challenge.
- Complex tremors in MS necessitate targeted therapeutic strategies.
Observation:
- This case study details targeting thalamic tremor cells in the ventro-intermediate/ventro-oralis posterior (Vim/Vop) region.
- Intraoperative recordings confirmed the presence of tremor cells, and test stimulation at these sites yielded the best results.
Findings:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting identified tremor cells in the Vim/Vop region led to substantial tremor reduction.
- This approach validates the neurophysiological identification of tremor cells as a viable target.
Implications:
- This case suggests a precise neurophysiological target for DBS in managing MS-related tremors.
- Further research into thalamic targeting could refine DBS strategies for neurological movement disorders.
Keywords:
Deep brain stimulationmultiple sclerosisnucleus ventro-oralis posteriorthalamustremor cellventro-intermediate nucleus
