Objective: To explore the differences in short-term (1-year), mid-term (2–5 years), and long-term (≥6 years) HRQoL and tremor outcomes in ET patients treated with unilateral versus bilateral ventralis intermedius (Vim)/posterior subthalamic area (PSA) deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for essential tremor (ET); however, the effect of unilateral versus bilateral lead placement on long-term healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) has not been studied

Method: In this single-center, registry-based, retrospective study, we analyzed the outcomes of 39 ET patients with unilateral or bilateral Vim/PSA DBS over three follow-up periods: 1- year, 2–5 years, and ≥6 years. The primary outcome was the change in HRQoL, measured by the Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire, the 5-dimension 5- level European Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Schwab-England Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Part C of the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS).

Results: Comparing the outcomes between unilateral and bilateral DBS, no significant difference was found in the HRQoL at any follow-up point. Bilateral DBS provided better total tremor control both in the short and long term according to the total scores of Parts A and B of the FTMTRS; however, when considering only dominant-side tremor, the outcomes were comparable between the groups.

Conclusion: Compared to bilateral stimulation, unilateral DBS for ET does not seem to compromise HRQoL and tremor outcomes, even in the long term

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/unilateral-deep-brain-stimulation-for-essential-tremor-compromise-or-long-term-effective-treatment/