Implantable leads
Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder, and is especially prevalent in the older population. It most commonly involves one or both hands, but may also affect the head, tongue, lower extremities, and even the voice. When severe it can significantly affect the ability to perform basic activities of daily living and negatively impact quality of life. For most patients, medical management will adequately control symptoms. This medical management usually involves a class of medications called beta-blockers. In some patients, however, control will not be adequate or the medications will carry unwanted side effects. These patients may be good candidates for DBS, which as been approved by the FDA for use in patients with essential tremor since 1997. Stimulation of a region of the thalamus can produce either complete or significant reduction in tremor in a majority of patients, usually with minimal if any unwanted side effects.
