2018 Volume 35 Issue 4 Pages 567-570
We performed unilateral MRI–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy for 10 medication–refractory essential tremor patients (8 men and 2 women, aged 67.1±17.5 years, right–handed), and evaluated the efficacy and adverse events during a 6–month follow–up. Right–handed tremor improved immediately after left ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) thalamotomy in all patients ; however, it re–exacerbated in 2 patients after 3 or 6 months. Several adverse events occurred, such as headache and a floating sensation during the procedure, and sensory disturbance of the right fingers and face and impaired balance while walking after the procedure. Most of them were mild and transient ; however, sensory disturbance persisted 3 months later in 2 patients. Long–term analysis is necessary, but we expect unilateral MRgFUS Vim thalamotomy to be adopted as one of the therapeutic options for essential tremor.
