Stereotactic Thalamotomy

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What is a Stereotactic Thalamotomy?

A stereotactic thalamotomy procedure may be used to treat patients with essential tremor or Parkinsonism with tremor as the primary debilitating symptom.

During a stereotactic thalamotomy procedure, precise lesions may be created with either a radiofrequency generator which causes a thermal injury and more recently Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Generally, the target is a region (nucleus) in the center of the brain called the thalamus. Successful targeting usually results in cessation or improvement of the tremor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stereotactic Thalamotomy

What conditions does a stereotactic thalamotomy treat?

It is used for patients with essential tremor, or Parkinsonism where tremor is the primary debilitating symptom.

How is a stereotactic thalamotomy performed?

Precise lesions are created in the thalamus (a nucleus in the center of the brain) using either a radiofrequency generator (which causes a thermal injury) or, more recently, Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

Does a thalamotomy stop tremor?

Successful targeting usually results in the tremor stopping or improving.

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