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Review
. 2022 Mar;22(3):197-208.
doi: 10.1007/s11910-022-01185-8. Epub 2022 Mar 2.

Essential Tremor-Do We Have Better Therapeutics? A Review of Recent Advances and Future Directions

Neil Shetty  1
Affiliations
Review

Essential Tremor-Do We Have Better Therapeutics? A Review of Recent Advances and Future Directions

Neil Shetty. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Essential tremor (ET) is a very common condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Current medical treatments are quite limited, and while surgical treatments like deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be very effective, they come with their own limitations as well as procedural risks. This article reviews updates on recent advances and future directions in the treatment of ET.

Recent findings: A new generation of pharmacologic agents specifically designed for ET is in clinical trials. Advances in DBS technology continue to improve this therapy. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is now an approved noninvasive ablative treatment for ET that is effective and shows potential for continuing improvement. The first peripheral stimulation device for ET has also now been approved. This article reviews updates on the treatment of ET, encompassing pharmacologic agents in clinical trials, DBS, MRgFUS, and noninvasive stimulation therapies. Recent treatment advances and future directions of development show a great deal of promise for ET therapeutics.

Keywords: Clinical trials; Deep brain stimulation; Essential tremor; MRI-guided focused ultrasound; Treatment.

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