skip to main content

Essential Tremor – Surgical Options (DBS/FUS) — SCE Neurology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardMovement DisordersEssential Tremor – Surgical Options (DBS/FUS)SCE Neurology

A right-handed patient with medication-refractory bilateral essential tremor declines an implanted device and requests MR-guided focused-ultrasound thalamotomy. Which consent statement most accurately reflects NICE guidance?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Permanent unilateral MRgFUS with special governance, audit and MDT selection

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as D

A is correct. NICE permits unilateral MRgFUS only with special arrangements for governance, consent and audit/research, with MDT selection. The lesion is permanent and treats one side; benefit for bilateral disability is uncertain. It is neither adjustable nor a reason to bypass MDT review, and the guidance does not say it precludes later treatments.

Reference: NICE HTG474 unilateral MR-guided focused-ultrasound thalamotomy: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/htg474/chapter/1-Recommendations