Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Essential Tremor and Parkinsonian Tremor

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Nov 20, 2012

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a treatment called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for patients who have essential tremor or Parkinsonian tremor. The goal is to see how this treatment can improve quality of life and reduce tremors in people whose symptoms are not well controlled by medication alone. Participants will complete questionnaires to share their experiences and any changes they notice after receiving the treatment.

To be eligible for this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with essential tremor or Parkinsonian tremor by a neurologist. You should also prefer SRS over more invasive surgeries like deep brain stimulation or thalamotomy. However, if you have had previous radiation treatment to the brain, have difficulty getting an MRI, or have a life expectancy of less than one year, you would not be able to participate. If you join the study, you can expect to provide feedback on how your tremors and overall well-being change after the treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Must be certified by a neurologist as having essential tremor or Parkinsonian tremor that is insufficiently controlled by medication alone.
• • Preference to receive radiation treatment for tremor treatment, rather than surgical DBS implantation or surgical thalamotomy
• • At least 18 years old
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Contraindications to cranial radiation (such as prior radiation to the thalamus)
• • Inability to have a MRI of the brain
• • Prior surgical thalamotomy treatment (but contralateral deep brain stimulator \[DBS\] is permitted)
• • Estimated life expectancy less than 1 year