Electromagnetic Tracking to Measure Tremor
Electromagnetic Tracking to Measure Tremor
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment option for individuals with
 debilitating tremors that do not respond to medical therapy. However, severe tremors,
 particularly those that develop after central nervous system insult or from multiple
 sclerosis, can be comprised of several underlying components that represent dysfunction
 within distinct brain circuits. Some of these dysfunctional brain circuits can be
 successfully treated with DBS while others respond poorly DBS therapy. For severe tremors, it
 can be very difficult to discriminate between the underlying components of a patient movement
 disorder and is exclusively dependent upon clinical expertise. Even with extensive clinical
 experience, it is difficult to reliably predict the results of DBS therapy for patients
 suffering from severe, debilitating tremor. In an attempt to gain more knowledge, an
 electromagnetic tracking system will be used which can precisely measure the position of a
 patient's upper extremity in space during routine neurologic examination. The goal is to use
 this tool to quantitatively identify various components of severe tremor, which can be
 discriminated based on oscillatory frequency and regularity of tremor amplitude. The purpose
 of this research study is to better understand the nature of complex, severe tremors by
 carefully measuring movement of the upper extremities with sensors during simple tasks. The
 goal is to break down complicated tremors into their components and then determine which
 components will respond to deep brain stimulation.
As a participant in the research study small sensors that are connected to wires will be
 affixed to points on your hand, wrist, elbow and/or shoulder. These sensors are painless and
 otherwise noninvasive. They will be used to measure the precise location of the hand and arm
 in space during the neurologic examination. This exam will test the tremors during short,
 simple tasks using the hand and arm. This information will be stored along with your name and
 medical record number for analysis after your testing is complete.

 The sensors that are used to measure movements are connected to thin, flexible wires that
 will be attached with adhesive tape. The motion sensors use a magnet that produces a weak
 electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field poses no direct harm, but could potentially
 interfere with medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers or deep brain stimulators if placed
 very close to the electromagnetic emitter.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Adults

 -  Individuals who have undergone or are scheduled to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation
 (DBS) placement

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Individuals who have not had or are not scheduled for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
 placement