Influence of thalamic DBS on gait in patients with advanced essential tremor

Objective: To study the effect of thalamic deep brain stimulation (thalamic DBS) on gait in patients with essential tremor (ET). Aims: Patients in advanced stages of ET regularly exhibit gait difficulties with an ataxic gait pattern indistinguishable from findings in patients with cerebellar diseases. Thalamic DBS has been shown to reduce ataxic features of hand movements whereas its impact on gait parameters remains to be elucidated. Methods: Using a three-dimensional opto-electronic analysis system, we performed a kinematic analysis of tandem gait and free-speed normal bipedial walking on a motor driven treadm…