A systematic review was conducted by searching MEDLINE (OvidSP 1946-January Week 1 2014) and Embase(OvidSP 1974-2014 January). The search strategy was not limited by study design or language of publication. All searches were conducted on January 7, 2014. Treatment efficacy, adverse outcomes, and patient deaths were reviewed and tabulated. Complications appeared months to years post procedure and most commonly consisted of mild contralateral numbness and transient hemiparesis. Rarely, more severe complications were reported, including dysphagia and death. Though no data from randomized controlled trials are available, the analysis of the literature indicates that unilateral gamma knife thalamotomy using doses from 130 to 150Gy appears safe and well tolerated ¹⁾.

Gamma Knife thalamotomy GKT with a maximal dose of 130 Gy to the VIM is a safe procedure that can replace other surgical procedures ²⁾.