The goal of this proof-of-concept study is to examine the effects of a relatively new, non-invasive electrical current-based technique, transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS), in patients with Essential Tremor (ET). TTIS is delivered via a Digitimer Ltd. stimulator, the "DS5 Isolated Bipolar Constant Current Stimulator." The method enables targeting deep cerebral structures to selectively modulate neurons. The structure of interest in the present study is the ventralis intermedius (VIM) of the thalamus, which plays a key role in tremor generation in people with essential tremor. Therefore, techniques targeting the VIM nucleus can potentially improve the tremor and the quality of life in the long term, as is the case with MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU). Despite its efficiency, MRgHIFU can lead to side effects that could benefit from improved predictive modeling. In our proof-of-concept study, the investigators aim to examine whether tTIS of the VIM nucleus can alter tremor characteristics and, therefore, mimic the effects of MRgHIFU. This work would pave the way for future clinical trials to design prediction tools for MRgHIFU if the investigators can demonstrate the positive impact of tTIS.
Informed Consent signed by the subject;
Age ≥ 18 years;
Diagnosis of Essential Tremor (ET) based on the proposed criteria by the Movement Disorders Society;
Candidate for MRgHIFU thalamotomy
Unable to provide informed consent;
Severe sensory or cognitive impairment or musculoskeletal dysfunction that prohibits understanding instructions or performing the experimental tasks.
Severe neuropsychiatric (e.g., major depression, severe dementia, psychosis) or unstable systemic diseases (e.g., severe progressive and unstable cancer, life-threatening infectious disease);
Inability to follow or non-compliance with the procedures of the study;
University Hospital, Geneva
Lead sponsor
University of Geneva, Switzerland
Collaborator
Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering
Collaborator