In many cases, tremors can be so extreme that they interfere with an individual's independence and quality of life. Mr. Tobackman, a furniture salesman, has lived with essential tremor for the past 10 years. As his condition progressed, his tremors worsened, eventually becoming so pronounced that he was unable to write his own name. But for the past two years, the tremors were so bad that no one could read my handwriting. Interestingly, the electrode is implanted in the brain while the patient is awake - though he or she does not experience any pain or discomfort.
Physicians use stereotactic and imaging technology to target the precise location for the device.
Once the electrode is implanted, we place a cup of water in the patient's hand, and stimulate the brain interoperatively. If the tremor does not stop, the electrode is repositioned. The deep brain stimulator has several advantages over other treatments for tremor, including medication, which may produce side effects, and older surgical interventions, which destroy portions of the nervous system. Since undergoing the procedure in March 1999, Mr. Tobackman's tremors have disappeared completely. All Rights Reserved.