Thalamotomy

Thalamotomy is surgery to destroy a tiny area of the brain called the thalamus that controls some involuntary movements. Before surgery, detailed brain scans using a CT scan or an MRI are done to find the precise location for treatment.

Surgery on one side of the brain affects the opposite side of the body. If you have tremor in your right hand, for instance, the left side of your brain will be treated.

Thalamotomy is rarely done today. It may be used to treat severe tremor on one side of the body (most often in an arm or leg) that does not respond to medicines. It doesn't help with slow movement (bradykinesia), speech problems, or trouble with walking. Deep brain stimulation is often used instead of thalamotomy, because it doesn't destroy brain tissue and it has fewer side effects.

In most people, thalamotomy can improve tremor. There is no evidence that it works for other symptoms of Parkinson's disease.