The use of these devices for essential tremor and Parkinson s disease is considered investigational and is being done under FDA approved investigational protocols sponsored by Medtronics, Inc., the manufacturer of the device. The study for thalamic stimulation is still open to participants. The device is provided free of charge for study participants, but the surgery to implant the device is not and will be the responsibility of the patient. The study is limited to those under the age of 80 years. Thalamic stimulation may be approved by the FDA sometime in 1986, which means that when it is no longer investigational, third party payers and Medicare may start paying for the device and the surgery.
Pallidal stimulation is in an earlier stage of investigation, and our study is currently full.
We may be able to open up the study for more participants later in 1996 and are willing to evaluate patients for this, with the understanding that we are not able to offer it immediately. The age requirement on this study is 30-75 years. The device is provided free of charge for study participants, but the surgery to implant the device is not and will be the responsibility of the patient. You will encounter a voice mail message requesting you to leave your name and day time phone number. Please leave your name and phone number so we can call you back to schedule your appointment.