[Treatment of tremor by stereotactic surgery]

Thalamotomy in the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus is a common treatment of severe parkinsonian or essential tremor. Although results are often satisfactory, complications may occur and alter the success of the operation. High frequency stimulation of the target before thalamotomy leads to transitory abolition of the tremor. Therefore, a chronic stimulation device was developed and its use produced results similar to those of thalamotomy for parkinsonian tremor. Unwanted side-effect can be reduced by changing the parameters of the stimulation. Improvements in multiple sclerosis and post-traumatic tremors may be expected. We present a review of the indications and results of both technics.