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Scerrati A, Gozzi A, Cavallo MA, Mantovani G, Antenucci P, Angelini C, Capone JG, De Bonis P, Morgante F, Rispoli V, Sensi M. Thalamic ventral-Oralis complex/rostral zona incerta deep brain stimulation for midline tremor. J Neurol 2024; 271:6628-6638. [PMID: 39126514 PMCID: PMC11447151 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12619-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Midline Tremor is defined as an isolated or combined tremor that affects the neck, trunk, jaw, tongue, and/or voice and could be part of Essential Tremor (ET), or dystonic tremor. The clinical efficacy of deep brain stimulation for Midline Tremor has been rarely reported. The Ventral Intermediate Nucleus and Globus Pallidus Internus are the preferred targets, but with variable outcomes. Thalamic Ventral-Oralis (VO) complex and Zona Incerta (ZI) are emerging targets for tremor control in various etiologies. OBJECTIVE To report on neuroradiological, neurophysiological targeting and long-term efficacy of thalamic Ventral-Oralis complex and Zona Incerta deep brain stimulation in Midline Tremor. METHODS Three patients (two males and one female) with Midline Tremor in dystonic syndromes were recruited for this open-label study. Clinical, surgical, neurophysiological intraoperative testing and long-term follow-up data are reported. RESULTS Intraoperative testing and reconstruction of volume of tissue activated confirmed the position of the electrodes in the area stimulated between the thalamic Ventral-Oralis complex and Zona Incerta in all patients. All three patients showed optimal control of both tremor and dystonic features at short-term (6 months) and long-term follow-up (up to 6 years). No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION In the syndromes of Midline Tremor of various origins, the best target for DBS might be difficult to identify. Our results showed that thalamic Ventral-Oralis complex/Zona Incerta may be a viable and safe option even in specific forms of tremor with axial distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Scerrati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Neurosurgery Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Gozzi
- Neurology Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy, via Aldo Moro 8, 44124.
| | - Michele Alessandro Cavallo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Neurosurgery Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mantovani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Neurosurgery Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pietro Antenucci
- Neurology Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy, via Aldo Moro 8, 44124
| | - Chiara Angelini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Neurosurgery Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jay Guido Capone
- Neurology Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Bonis
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Neurosurgery Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Morgante
- Neurosciences and Cell Biology Institute, Neuromodulation and Motor Control Section, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Vittorio Rispoli
- Neurology, Neuroscience Head Neck Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Sensi
- Neurology Department, S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
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Horisawa S, Kim K, Sakaguchi M, Kawamata T, Taira T. Radiofrequency ablation of the pallidothalamic tract and ventral intermediate nucleus for dystonic tremor through the parietal approach. Surg Neurol Int 2023; 14:390. [PMID: 38053713 PMCID: PMC10695449 DOI: 10.25259/sni_311_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) and globus pallidus internus are far apart and cannot be captured using a single electrode. Case Description We describe our experience with a patient with dystonic tremors of the head and upper and lower extremities who showed symptomatic improvement after radiofrequency (RF) ablation using a parietal lobe approach with a single trajectory to capture the pallidothalamic tract and Vim. A 46-year-old man developed head tremors at 41 and a right-sided neck tilt three years later. Five years after the onset of the head tremors, tightness of the larynx during speech and tremors in both the upper and lower limbs also appeared. The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) score was 24, and the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTM) score was 48. We captured the pallidothalamic tract and Vim along a single trajectory by locating the entry point in the inferior parietal lobule. One week after treatment, the TWSTRS and FTM scale scores were 9 (62.5%) and 30 (37.5%), respectively. No adverse events were observed. Conclusion This case suggests that in dystonic tremors involving abnormalities of the basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical and cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuits, a single electrode can be used to approach both circuits through the parietal lobe approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiro Horisawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Paschen S, Becktepe JS, Hobert MA, Zeuner KE, Helmers A, Berg D, Deuschl G. The Challenge of Choosing the Right Stimulation Target for Dystonic Tremor-A Series of Instructive Cases. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2023; 10:1478-1484. [PMID: 37868912 PMCID: PMC10585974 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) is established for medically refractory tremor syndromes and globus pallidus stimulation (GPi-DBS) for medically refractory dystonia syndromes. For combined tremor and dystonia syndromes, the best target is unclear. Objectives We present four patients with two different profiles whose clinical course demonstrates that our current analysis of clinical symptomatology is not a sufficient predictor of surgical success. Methods Outcome parameters were assessed with observer-blinded video ratings and included the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin-Tremor Rating Scale (FTM-TRS) and the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS). Results Two patients with "predominant lateralized action tremor" of the hands and mild cervical dystonia showed no relevant tremor improvement after GPi-DBS, but UDRS improved (mean, 45%). Rescue ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (Vim)-DBS electrodes were implanted and both patients benefited significantly with a mean tremor reduction of 51%.Two other patients with "axial-predominant action tremor of the trunk and head" associated with cervical dystonia underwent bilateral Vim-DBS implantation with little effect on tremor (24% reduction in mean FTM-TRS total score) and no effect on dystonic symptoms. GPi rescue DBS was implanted and showed a significant effect on tremor (63% reduction in mean FTM-TRS) and dystonia (49% reduction in UDRS). Conclusions The diagnosis of dystonic tremor alone is not a sufficient predictor to establish the differential indication of GPi- or Vim-DBS. Further criteria (eg, proximal-distal distribution of tremor/dystonia) are needed to avoid rescue surgery in the future. On the other hand, the course of our patients encourages rescue surgery in such severely disabled patients if the first target fails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Paschen
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein, Campus Kiel and Christian Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Jos S. Becktepe
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein, Campus Kiel and Christian Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Markus A. Hobert
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein, Campus Kiel and Christian Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Kirsten E. Zeuner
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein, Campus Kiel and Christian Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Ann‐Kristin Helmers
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein, Campus Kiel and Christian Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Daniela Berg
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein, Campus Kiel and Christian Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
| | - Günther Deuschl
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein, Campus Kiel and Christian Albrechts‐University of KielKielGermany
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Paoli D, Mills R, Brechany U, Pavese N, Nicholson C. DBS in tremor with dystonia: VIM, GPi or both? A review of the literature and considerations from a single-center experience. J Neurol 2023; 270:2217-2229. [PMID: 36680569 PMCID: PMC10025201 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11569-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for dystonia and tremor. However, there is no consensus about the best surgical targeting strategy in patients with concomitant tremor and dystonia. Both the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) and the globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) have been proposed as targets. Few cases using them together in a double-target approach have also been reported. METHODS We reviewed the literature on this topic, summarizing results of different target choices. Additionally, we retrospectively report a case series of nine patients with sporadic dystonia and severe tremor treated with a double-target strategy at our center. Outcome measures were the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFM) and Eq-5d scale. RESULTS In published studies of patients with dystonia and tremor, VIM-DBS is highly effective on tremor but raise some concerns about dystonia's control, while GPi-DBS is more effective on dystonia but does not always relieve tremor. GPi + VIM-DBS shows good efficacy but is rarely reported and reserved for selected patients. In our patients, the double-target strategy obtained a significant and durable improvement in tremor, dystonia, and quality of life. Additionally, compared with a cohort of patients with tremor treated with VIM-DBS only, significantly lower frequency and intensity of VIM stimulation were required to control tremor. CONCLUSION Our findings and published evidence seem to support the double-targeting approach as a safe and effective option in selected patients with tremor-dominant dystonia. This strategy appears to provide a more extensive control of either dystonia or tremor and may have a potential for limiting stimulation-related side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Paoli
- Clinical Ageing Research Unit, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Ospedale Santa Chiara, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Russell Mills
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Una Brechany
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Nicola Pavese
- Clinical Ageing Research Unit, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK.
- Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre and Positron Emission Tomography Centre - Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Claire Nicholson
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
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Yamahata H, Horisawa S, Hodotsuka K, Kawamata T, Taira T. Long-Term Successful Outcome of Dystonic Head Tremor after Bilateral Deep Brain Stimulation of the Ventral Intermediate and Ventro-Oral Internus Nuclei: A Case Report and Literature Review of Dystonic Head Tremor. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2021; 99:107-112. [PMID: 33401264 DOI: 10.1159/000510593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Head tremor in patients with dystonia is referred to as dystonic tremor. During surgical treatment, numerous targets may be selected, including the internal segment of the globus pallidus and the ventral intermediate (Vim) nucleus; however, there is no consensus concerning the most effective treatment target. We report herein a case of dystonic head tremor in which improvement persisted for 5 years after deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the bilateral thalamic Vim and ventro-oral internus (Voi) nuclei. The patient, a 67-year-old woman, has a horizontal head tremor associated with cervical dystonia that had been resistant to drug treatment over 3 years. Immediately following surgery, dystonia and tremor symptoms had completely improved. Voice volume declined and dysarthria occurred but improved upon adjusting the stimulation conditions. Over 5 years, both head tremor and cervical dystonia have been completely controlled, and no other obvious complications have been observed. As the Voi nucleus receives pallidothalamic projections involved in dystonia and the Vim nucleus receives cerebellothalamic projections involved in tremors, stimulating these 2 nuclei with the same electrode appears reasonable in the treatment of dystonic tremor. This case suggests that Vim-Voi DBS may be effective for treating dystonic head tremor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Yamahata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiro Horisawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan,
| | - Kenichi Hodotsuka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takakazu Kawamata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaomi Taira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
Essential tremor is one of the most common tremor syndromes. According to the recent tremor classification, tremor as a symptom is defined as an involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory movement of a body part and is classified along two axes: axis 1-defining syndromes based on the clinical features such as historical features, tremor characteristics, associated signs, and laboratory tests; and axis 2-classifying the etiology (Bhatia et al., Mov Disord 33:75-87, 2018). The management of this condition has two major approaches. The first is to exclude treatable etiologies, as particularly during the onset of this condition the presentation of a variety of etiologies can be with monosymptomatic tremor. Once the few etiologies with causal treatments are excluded, all further treatment is symptomatic. Shared decision-making with enabling the patient to knowledgeably choose treatment options is needed to customize the management. Mild to moderate tremor severity can sometimes be controlled with occupational treatment, speech therapy of psychotherapy, or adaptation of coping strategy. First-line pharmacological treatments include symptomatic treatment with propranolol, primidone, and topiramate. Botulinum toxin is for selected cases. Invasive treatments for essential tremor should be considered for severe tremors. They are generally accepted as the most powerful interventions and provide not only improvement of tremor but also a significant improvement of life quality. The current standard is deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamic and subthalamic region. Focused ultrasound thalamotomy is a new therapy attracting increasing interest. Radiofrequency lesioning is only rarely done if DBS or focused ultrasound is not possible. Radiosurgery is not well established. We present our treatment algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Hopfner
- Department of Neurology, UKSH, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Rosalind-Fraenklinstr. 10, 24105, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Günther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology, UKSH, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Rosalind-Fraenklinstr. 10, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
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Deep brain stimulation for dystonia: a novel perspective on the value of genetic testing. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 124:417-430. [PMID: 28160152 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1656-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The dystonias are a group of disorders characterized by excessive muscle contractions leading to abnormal movements and postures. There are many different clinical manifestations and underlying causes. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) provides an effect treatment, but outcomes can vary considerably among the different subtypes of dystonia. Several variables are thought to contribute to this variation including age of onset and duration of dystonia, specific characteristics of the dystonic movements, location of stimulation and stimulator settings, and others. The potential contributions of genetic factors have received little attention. In this review, we summarize evidence that some of the variation in DBS outcomes for dystonia is due to genetic factors. The evidence suggests that more methodical genetic testing may provide useful information in the assessment of potential surgical candidates, and in advancing our understanding of the biological mechanisms that influence DBS outcomes.
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Ramirez-Zamora A, Smith H, Kumar V, Prusik J, Phookan S, Pilitsis JG. Evolving Concepts in Posterior Subthalamic Area Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment of Tremor: Surgical Neuroanatomy and Practical Considerations. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2016; 94:283-297. [DOI: 10.1159/000449007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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