Unilateral MR-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy Thalamotomy in Human MS Patients
In a small observational study of four patients with refractory MS tremor, thalamotomy using MR-guided laser therapy resulted in a significant decrease in tremor severity, with the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale score improving from 15.8 to 5.5 after 12 months. Three out of four participants reported improved quality of life.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not yet assessed
- Mechanism
- Not yet assessed
- Evidence strength
- Not yet assessed
- Outcome
- Not yet assessed
Why it matters
This study suggests that unilateral MR-guided laser therapy may effectively reduce tremors in MS patients, highlighting the potential for innovative treatment options.
What this does not prove
The small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, and further controlled studies are necessary to confirm effectiveness and safety.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 4 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Yes
- Relevant MS type
- SPMS, RRMS
- Publication date
- 2026-10-05
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
Original sources
- Primary evidenceUnilateral MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy thalamotomy for refractory multiple sclerosis tremor: 12-month outcomes in four patients. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107966
Supporting passages (11)
study designSingle-centre, consecutive case series of four patients with medically refractory MS tremor who underwent robot-assisted unilateral MRgLITT thalamotomy.
subjectsRESULTS: The cohort comprised three secondary-progressive and one relapsing-remitting patient (median EDSS 5.5; median tremor duration 15.5 years).
sample sizeRESULTS: The cohort comprised three secondary-progressive and one relapsing-remitting patient (median EDSS 5.5; median tremor duration 15.5 years).
primary endpoint metThe mean treated-limb FTM-TRS score fell from 15.8 to 5.5 at 12 months (mean per-patient reduction 65.7%, range 41.2-80.0%).
relevant ms typesRESULTS: The cohort comprised three secondary-progressive and one relapsing-remitting patient (median EDSS 5.5; median tremor duration 15.5 years).
publication datePublication date: 2026-10-05
interventionMR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a hardware-free stereotactic thalamotomy providing real-time thermometry, its role in MS tremor is unknown.
primary endpointThe primary outcome was the treated-limb Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTM-TRS) at 12 months, scored from standardized videos by a blinded neurologist.
follow upThe primary outcome was the treated-limb Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTM-TRS) at 12 months, scored from standardized videos by a blinded neurologist.
findingsThe mean treated-limb FTM-TRS score fell from 15.8 to 5.5 at 12 months (mean per-patient reduction 65.7%, range 41.2-80.0%).
limitationsTitle: Unilateral MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy thalamotomy for refractory multiple sclerosis tremor: 12-month outcomes in four patients.
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