People with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have severe tremor (shakiness) affecting movement may be helped by surgery. People with severe spasticity (muscle stiffness) may be helped by insertion of a spinal pump to deliver medications when oral medications fail.

Surgery Choices

Surgery options include:

• Deep brain stimulation for tremor. Severe and disabling tremor that occurs with the slightest movement of the limbs may be helped by an implanted device that stimulates an area of the brain. A neurological surgeon performs the surgery to implant the device.
• Implantation of a drug catheter or pump, for spasticity. People who have severe pain or spasticity may benefit from having a catheter or pump placed in the lower spinal area to deliver a constant flow of medication, such as baclofen (Lioresal).

What To Think About

Deep brain stimulation usually is a last resort after all other options have been tried without success to treat MS symptoms. Only people with severe tremor are candidates.