Utilization of Predefined Stimulation Groups by Essential Tremor Patients Treated with VIM-DBS

Objective: To identify the utilization and general acceptance of switching between predefined stimulation groups in essential tremor (ET) patients treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients treated with VIM-DBS completed a telephone survey. This was designed to identify the general utilization of patient controllers and the specific usage of stimulation groups.

Results: Thirty-eight patients were interviewed via phone. More than half (21 of 38 patients, 55%) of all contacted ET patients were aware of the possibility of switching between pre-defined stimulation programs themselves. Again, more than half of these patients (13 of the 21 patients) switch between the different programs on a regular basis (8 monthly, 2 weekly, and 3 daily), mainly due to occurring side effects. Age did not differ between the group of patients switching between stimulation groups, and those who did not (65.38 years (±11.36) vs. 69.15 years (±9.92), p = 0.297).

Conclusion: Some patients frequently use different stimulation settings, mainly to be able to control side effects when necessary. All patients - independent of their age - and especially patients with stimulation induced side effects, should therefore be informed about the possibility to switch between predefined stimulation groups. We propose a training for patients by specialized nurses, to give them confidence in handling the patient controllers.