A Pilot Study of AI-Controlled Transcutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Essential Tremor

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Essential tremor (ET) significantly impacts patients' quality of life and daily activities.
• Transcutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (TPNS) is a method to modulate the central tremor network and reduce tremor severity.
• A novel TPNS device has been developed for ET treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel AI-controlled TPNS device in patients with essential tremor.
• To assess the impact of TPNS on tremor severity, daily living activities, and patient/clinician-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, open-label pilot study was conducted with ET patients.
• Patients used the AI-controlled TPNS device at home for 7 to 10 days.
• Efficacy was measured using The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS) Performance Subscale and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Subscale, modified ADL (mADL) Score, and Patient/Clinician Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I, CGI-I).

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in the TETRAS Performance Subscale (p = 0.0002) and ADL/mADL scores (p < 0.001).
• 82% of patients reported improvement on both PGI-I and CGI-I questionnaires.
• The only adverse event was a mild skin reaction in one patient due to an adhesive allergy.

Conclusions:

• AI-controlled TPNS is a promising, safe, and effective treatment option for essential tremor.
• The novel TPNS device offers a potential non-invasive therapeutic approach for ET management.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger trials.