Thalamotomy is primarily effective for tremor, and is therefore used mainly in patients for whom tremor is the only disabling symptom. During a thalamotomy, a selected portion of the thalamus is surgically destroyed (ablated).
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Ataxia
Bradykinesia
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Dystonia
Essential Tremor
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Thalamotomy

Thalamotomy is primarily effective for tremor, and is therefore used mainly in patients for whom tremor is the only disabling symptom. During a thalamotomy, a selected portion of the thalamus is surgically destroyed (ablated). The thalamus is a paired structure deep within the brain that is involved in the control of movement. In this procedure, neurosurgeons use specialized equipment, enabling them to use three-dimensional coordinates to precisely locate an area of the thalamus. Bilateral (both sides of the brain) procedures are poorly tolerated because of increased complication risks, including vision and speech problems. The procedure is gradually being replaced by subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS), since this procedure can improve tremor and other symptoms of PD.