Role of the thalamus in parkinsonian tremor: evidence from studies in patients and primate models

Abstract

The electrophysiologic basis of parkinsonian tremor is discussed in terms of the central oscillator and peripheral feedback hypotheses of tremor. Recent studies in monkeys and humans suggest that parkinsonian tremor may result from the activity of a central oscillator, possibly located in the basal ganglia. Peripheral somatosensory input seems to modulate tremor and central nervous system activity related to tremor.