Long-term effect of deep brain stimulation for essential tremor on activities of daily living and health-related quality of life

Objectives – To report long‐term effects of thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) on activities of daily living (ADL) and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with essential tremor (ET). Materials and methods – Nineteen consecutive patients were evaluated at baseline, at a mean of 1 year, then at a mean of 7 years after DBS using Tremor Rating Scale, Mini Mental Test, ADL Taxonomy, Nottingham Health Profile, Life Satisfaction Checklist, Visual Analogue Scale and interview. Results – There was a decrease of DBS efficacy on tremor between 1 and 7 years post‐operatively. The marked improvement in ADL at 1 year was no longer sustained at long‐term, except for the ability to eat. Social life remained improved. Conclusion – Although there is a decrease of DBS effect on tremor at 7 years, and even though further ageing and co‐morbidities may impact on the well‐being of patients, there is still relevant benefit of DBS on few aspects of ADL and HRQoL in patients with ET.