Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)-Thalamotomy for Essential Tremor: Lesion Location and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Factors predicting clinical outcomes after MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)-thalamotomy in patients with essential tremor (ET) are not well known. OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical outcomes and their relationship with patients' baseline demographic and clinical features and lesion characteristics at 6-month follow-up in ET patients. METHODS: A total of 127 patients were prospectively evaluated at 1 (n = 122), 3 (n = 102), and 6 months (n = 78) after MRgFUS-thalamotomy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained at 6 months (n = 60). Primary outcomes included: (1) change in the Clinical Rating Scale of Tremor (CRST)-A+B score in the treated hand and (2) frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in all subitems of the CRST scale in the treated hand, CRST-C, axial tremor (face, head, voice, tongue), AEs, and correlation of primary outcomes at 6 months with lesion characteristics. Statistical analysis included linear mixed, standard, and logistic regression models. RESULTS: Scores for CRST-A+B, CRST-A, CRST-B in the treated hand, CRST-C, and axial tremor were improved at each evaluation (P < 0.001). Five patients had severe AEs at 1 month that became mild throughout the follow-up. Mild AEs occurred in 71%, 45%, and 34% of patients at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Lesion volume was associated with the reduction in the CRST-A (P = 0.003) and its overlapping with the ventralis intermedius nucleus (Vim) nucleus with the reduction in CRST-A+B (P = 0.02) and CRST-B (P = 0.008) at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: MRgFUS-thalamotomy improves hand and axial tremor in ET patients. Transient and mild AEs are frequent. Lesion volume and location are associated with tremor reduction. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Management of Impulse Control and Related Disorders in Parkinson's Disease: An Expert Consensus.

BACKGROUND: Impulse-control and related behavioral disorders (ICBDs) significantly impact the lives of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and caregivers, with lasting consequences if undiagnosed and untreated. While ICBD pathophysiology and risk factors are well-studied, a standardized severity definition and treatment evidence remain elusive. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to establish international expert consensus on ICBD treatment strategies. To comprehensively address diverse treatment availabilities, experts from various continents were included. METHODS: From 2021 to 2023, global movement disorders specialists engaged in a Delphi process. A core expert group initiated surveys, involving a larger panel in three iterations, leading to refined severity definitions and treatment pathways. RESULTS: Experts achieved consensus on defining ICBD severity, emphasizing regular PD patient screenings for early detection. General treatment recommendations focused on continuous monitoring, collaboration with significant others, and seeking specialist advice for legal or financial challenges. For mild to severe ICBDs, gradual reduction in dopamine agonists was endorsed, followed by reductions in other PD medications. Second-line treatment strategies included diverse approaches like reversing the last medication change, cognitive behavior therapy, subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation, and specific medications like quetiapine, clozapine, and antidepressants. The panel reached consensus on distinct treatment pathways for punding and dopamine dysregulation syndrome, formulating therapy recommendations. Comprehensive discussions addressed management strategies for the exacerbation of either motor or non-motor symptoms following the proposed treatments. CONCLUSION: The consensus offers in-depth insights into ICBD management, presenting clear severity criteria and expert consensus treatment recommendations. The study highlights the critical need for further research to enhance ICBD management. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.