A 48-patient pilot trial reported reduced tremor amplitude in patients with essential tremor following 10 sessions of cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation. Tremor amplitude on standardized assessment dropped by approximately 28% in the active arm versus 9% in sham.
Essential tremor affects roughly 1% of the global population and has limited evidence-based treatment options beyond beta-blockers and primidone, which provide partial relief in many patients. Surgical options exist but are reserved for severe cases.
The trial used a low-frequency cerebellar protocol, distinct from the prefrontal protocols used for depression. Effects were sustained at four-week follow-up in roughly half of responders. Larger confirmatory trials are needed before clinical applications can be considered.
Movement disorder specialists welcomed the findings while emphasizing the preliminary nature of the data. TMS for movement disorders is currently delivered only in research settings and is not covered by insurance for these indications.
Source
Reporting based on coverage from Movement Disorders. This article is editorial summary intended for general information; it is not medical advice.