Thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus deep brain stimulation for orthostatic tremor

Abstract

Background: Orthostatic tremor (OT) was first described in 1977. It is characterized by rapid tremor of 13–18 Hz and can be recorded in the lower limbs and trunk muscles. OT remains difficult to treat, although some success has been reported with deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Case Report: We report a 68-year-old male with OT who did not improve significantly after bilateral thalamic stimulation.

Discussion: Although some patients were described who improved after DBS surgery, more information is needed about the effect of these treatment modalities on OT, ideally in the form of randomized trial data.