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Thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) has largely replaced radiofrequency thalamotomy as the treatment of choice for disabling, medication‐refractory essential tremor. Recently, the development of transcranial, high‐intensity focused ultrasound has renewed interest in thalamic lesioning. The purpose of this study is to compare functional outcomes and quality of life in essential tremor patients treated with either bilateral Vim DBS or unilateral procedures (focused ultrasound or DBS). We hypothesized that all three would effectively treat the dominant hand and positively impact functional outcomes and quality of life as measured with the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor and the Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire.

This is a retrospective study of medication‐refractory essential tremor patients treated at the University of Virginia with bilateral Vim DBS (n = 57), unilateral Vim DBS …