A novel body-brain approach combining motion analysis and neuroimaging techniques to characterize essential tremor and guide treatment with deep brain stimulation

The overall goal of our research is to improve the treatment outcomes after deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients who suffer from essential tremor (ET). There is a large knowledge gap regarding how and why the DBS reduces tremor.

Even though tremor is effectively reduced, other neurological problems may increase, and in some cases the treatment must be interrupted.

One key to predicting treatment outcomes is to identify specific ET subtypes based on measurements of tremor, movement precision and gait/balance problems.

By combined motion analysis and neuroimaging before and after treatment we aim to: (1) Identify ET subtypes (2) Determine the relationship between motor function and underlying neural correlates for different DBS settings and (3) Identify long-term effects from DBS treatment. We will develop novel methodological applications and apply it to this patient group.

The approach requires unique methodology and skills available only in a few labs worldwide. At least 40 ET patients treated with DBS and 40 matched controls will be included.

Novel outcome measures from motion analysis and neuroimaging will be used to quantify ET subtypes and new methods combining these modalities will be explored. The results will enable improved prediction of treatment outcomes and optimized DBS parameters. In a longer perspective, the results can be implemented as decision support for individualized treatment.