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

  • Movement Disorders (T. Simuni, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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.

Summary

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.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Abbott Hall, 11th Floor, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Neil Shetty

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Neil Shetty serves as a site principal investigator for the Jazz Pharmaceuticals CX-8998 phase 2b clinical trial in essential tremor.

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Shetty, N. Essential Tremor—Do We Have Better Therapeutics? A Review of Recent Advances and Future Directions. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 22, 197–208 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-022-01185-8

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