A report has appeared in the Februrary 2018 issue of the prestigious Journal of Neurosurgery which contains a recommendation of the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (ISRS) for the use of the Gamma Knife to treat tremor (Martinez-Marino, N.D. et al, Stereotactic Radiosurgery for tremor: systematic review International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society practice guidelines, J. Neurosurg. Publish Before Print, February 23, 2018). The conclusion of the report states “Stereotactic Radiosurgery (i.e. Gamma Knife)…….is a well tolerated and effective treatment for reducing medically refractory tremor and one that is recommended by the International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society.
The ISRS is the major international society composed of medical professionals from around the world who employ stereotactic radiosurgery. The recommendation is of great significance since for many years the American Academy of Neurology has insisted that Gamma Knife treatment of tremor was “experimental” or “investigational” and therefore dissuaded some neurologists from recommending it for treatment of their patients with tremor. This well researched recommendation by the ISRS should put such ill placed concerns to rest. They have reaffirmed what we have been saying for years, that the Gamma Knife is a safe and effective treatment for tremor. This is good news for all patients who suffer from tremor.
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