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Subthalamic‐thalamic DBS in a case with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and severe tremor—A unusual clinical benefit
Author(s) -
Freund HansJoachim,
Barnikol Utako B.,
Nolte Dagmar,
Treuer Harald,
Auburger Georg,
Tass Peter A.,
Samii Madjid,
Sturm Volker
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.21338
Subject(s) - dysmetria , deep brain stimulation , thalamic stimulator , ataxia , medicine , essential tremor , intention tremor , physical medicine and rehabilitation , movement disorders , central nervous system disease , psychology , spinocerebellar ataxia , parkinson's disease , surgery , neuroscience , disease
This is a single case report of a patient with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and severe tremor. Whereas disease progression with prevailing ataxia and dysmetria was slow over the first symptomatic 6 years, 6 months prior to operation were characterized by the development of a severe, debilitating postural tremor rendering the patient unable to independently sit, stand, speak, or swallow. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) at a subthalamic–thalamic electrode position almost completely arrested her tremor. The patient regained the functional state prior to her rapid disease progression allowing a restricted range of daily activities. Her condition has remained approximately stable over the two postoperative years to date. In addition to the efficacy of DBS on cerebellar tremor, the results illustrate a remarkable improvement of the patient's general condition and independence.