Vim stimulation in Holmes' tremor secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE

Vim stimulation is effective in Parkinsonian and essential tremor. Our aim is to prove that it is also effective in other complex tremor syndromes such as Holmes' tremor.

METHODS

A 31-year-old previously healthy man developed resting, action, and postural tremor in bilateral upper extremities and orolingual region, which was suggestive of Holmes' tremor, occurring 25 days after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The initial pharmacotherapy was unsuccessful, including levodopa, bromocriptine, and levetiracetam.

METHODS

Bilateral Vim stimulation suppressed both extremity and orolingual tremors which interfered with daily living activities such as eating and swallowing.

CONCLUSIONS

Thalamic Vim stimulation seems to be a good treatment option in medically intractable complex tremor syndromes.