thalamotomy

thalamotomy /thal·a·mot·o·my/ (thal″ah-mot´ah-me) a stereotaxic surgical technique for the discrete destruction of specific groups of cells within the thalamus, as for the relief of pain, for relief of tremor and rigidity in paralysis agitans, or in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders.

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thal·a·mot·o·my (thl-mt-m)

n.

Destruction of a portion of the thalamus by stereotaxis to relieve tremor.

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Thalamotomy

A surgical procedure that destroys part of a large oval area of gray matter within the brain that acts as a relay center for nerve impulses. The thalamus is an essential part of the nerve pathway that controls intentional movement. By destroying tissue at a particular spot on the thalamus, the surgeon can interrupt the nerve signals that cause tremor.

Mentioned in: Tremors

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thalamotomy

[thal′əmot′əmē]

the surgical production of lesions within the nuclei of the thalamus, generally performed to treat diseases of the basal ganglia.

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thalamotomy [thal″ah-mot´ah-me]

a stereotaxic surgical technique for the discrete destruction of specific groups of cells within the thalamus, as to relieve pain, to alleviate tremor and rigidity in parkinson's disease, or to relieve certain anxiety states, psychoses, and obsessive-compulsive states.

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Patient discussion about thalamotomy.

Q. Should I go for the knife? I have essential tremor for many years, and in the last few years it seems nothing helps it, and although I tried all the drugs my doctor could offer me, nothing helps. It really ruins my life, and recently I read about a surgery that suppose to treat it, called thalamotomy- does anyone know anything about it?

A. It's a possibility, and considered effective (reducing tremor in most of the patients). However, it has quite serious side effects, that can result even in weakness of some parts of your body. You should think really good before you opt for this treatment. Good luck!