Changes in Midline Tremor and Gait Following Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor

Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements

article

Masa-aki Higuchi¹  Ryan T. Roemmich²  Daniel Martinez-Ramirez¹  Jaimie A. Roper⁵  Lisa A. Zukowski⁶  Kelly D. Foote⁷  Michael S. Okun¹  Chris J. Hass¹ 

[1] Department of Neurology, Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Program for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida;Center for Movement Studies, Kennedy Krieger Institute;Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine;Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud;School of Kinesiology, Auburn University;Department of Physical Therapy, Congdon School of Health Sciences, High Point University;Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida;Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida;Department of History, University of Florida;Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida

关键词: Essential tremor;    gait;    deep brain stimulation;    Thalamus;    Ataxia;   

DOI  :  10.5334/tohm.469

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Ubiquity Press

【 摘 要 】

Background: Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder characterized by kinetic and postural tremor in the upper extremities and frequently in the midline. Persons with ET often also exhibit gait ataxia. Previous studies have observed associations between midline tremor severity and gait ataxia in persons with ET, suggesting a common pathophysiology distinct from that of upper extremity tremor. However, a causal link between midline tremor and gait impairment has not been established. Methods: We investigated tremor and gait in 24 persons with ET before and after implantation of unilateral deep brain stimulation into the ventralis intermedius nucleus of the thalamus. Results: Stimulation significantly improved tremor in the targeted upper extremity and midline. However, gait was unaffected at the cohort level. Furthermore, improvement in midline tremor was not significantly associated with gait improvement. Discussion: These findings revealed that midline tremor and gait impairment may be dissociable in persons with ET.

【 授权许可】

CC BY