Rescue Thalamotomy for Habituation to Deep Brain Stimulation in Essential Tremor: Case Report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Habituation to deep brain stimulation (DBS) remains a therapeutic challenge in essential tremor (ET), with 4-42% of patients experiencing progressive loss of benefit.

Case report

A 68-year-old man with ET presented with debilitating bilateral tremor. The patient underwent bilateral DBS to posterior subthalamic area (PSA). Despite initial tremor relief, symptoms gradually recurred three months later. After 12 months of unsuccessful programming, the patient underwent left-sided radiofrequency Vim thalamotomy. Due to severe tremor rebound phenomenon, tremor control was achieved in 1.5 months.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this study represents the first report of successful thalamotomy performed for PSA-DBS habituation, accompanied by delayed postoperative trem

SUBMITTER: Kiselev R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12904111 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature