Impact of thalamic deep brain stimulation on disability and health-related quality of life in patients with essential tremor

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) on disability and health-related quality of life in patients with essential tremor. METHODS: Twenty seven consecutive patients were evaluated prospectively, before surgery and at a mean of 12 months (range 6-26) after thalamic DBS. Assessment tools included the Fahn-Tolosa-Marìn tremor rating scale (TRS), activities of daily living (ADL) taxonomy, Nottingham health profile (NHP) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for measuring impact of disease on life. Additional information on the side effects of, and expectations from surgery was obtained by interview. RESULTS: Thalamic DBS improved the ability of the patients in eating, drinking, writing, home maintenance, hobbies, and participation in society. Activities of daily life requiring bimanual skills were less improved. The emotional condition of the patients was positively affected and the negative impact of the disease on life as a whole, and on social life was decreased. Seventy per cent of the patients considered that the surgical treatment met their expectations. CONCLUSIONS: After thalamic DBS, health-related quality of life including disability in ADL and social life were improved in patients with essential tremor.