High-frequency cerebellar tACS for managing essential tremor

Abstract Objectives: Essential tremor (ET) is a disabling condition resulting from cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuitry dysfunction. Deep brain stimulation of the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM-DBS) effective in managing severe postural and action tremor. Non-invasive electrical cerebellum has recently emerged as potential therapeutic option for these patients. In this study, we aim to investigate effects high-frequency non-invasive cerebellar transcranial alternating current (tACS) ET patients implanted with VIM-DBS. Methods: Eleven VIM-DBS control group 10 patients, without VIM-DBS, clinically similarly impaired, were included double-blind proof-of-concept controlled study. Both patient groups received tACS (∼130Hz) minutes. The amplitude severity assessed at baseline, during sham-tACS, active 0, 20, 40 minutes after offset, using kinetics recordings posture (‘nose-to-target’ task), clinical scores (Fahn-Tolosa-Marin scale) on videos subsequently by two independent blinded investigators. Results: group, active-tACS significantly improved both action, well when compared baseline during, 20 end stimulation. There was no effect sham-tACS. similar observations made but not amplitude. significant sham-tACS severity. Conclusions: These data support efficacy safety short-term reduce essential Research Category Technology Methods Clinical Research: 8. Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Keywords: tACS, tremor, Brain