Deep Brain Stimulation Leads to Long-term Improvement of Neuropathic Tremor due to Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating...

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a peripheral neuropathy caused by immune-mediated demyelination, causing tremors in 3.9%-58% of affected patients. This neuropathic tremor may persist after treatment and is known to be refractory to conventional medication. We present two cases of neuropathic tremor due to CIDP in which deep brain stimulation (DBS) over a long-term period led to marked improvement. Case 1: A 66-year-old woman presented with severe 2-3-Hz resting, postural, and kinetic tremors of both hands. The tremor was refractory to medication but improved well after bilateral VIM-DBS. However, 2 months after the procedure, the tremor worsened and was accompanied by sensory disturbance in the extremities. A diagnosis of CIDP was made, and treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin achieved remission 6 months later. Although there was residual tremor after CIDP remission, it has been well controlled by DBS for the last 10 years. Case 2: A 56-year-old man presented with a 6-year history of CIDP after developing sensory dullness and tremors in the extremities. The CIDP had gone into remission 1 year previously and the sensory deficits had improved, but the tremors had gradually worsened: severe 8-12-Hz postural, kinetic, and resting tremors were present in both upper extremities. Right VIM-DBS was performed and the tremors on the left side showed marked improvement. Over the next 8 years, the tremors were well controlled and there were no relapses of CIDP. DBS may achieve long-term improvement of neuropathic tremor caused by CIDP if the CIDP is in remission.