The shaking can be so severe that patients are unable to work or even feed themselves. A pacemaker size pulse generator in the collarbone area which is connected to the electrode by a small wire which runs under the scalp. Unlike surgery, the Activa system can be turned on or off by passing a small hand held magnet over the chest area where the pulse generator is implanted. After the procedure drug therapy can normally be eliminated or greatly reduced. The University of Kentucky Medical Center has had an established program for the past 1.5 years that evaluates and treats tremor due to essential tremor and Parkinson's disease using the Activa system.
Hospitalization is required for only one night.