Thalamotomy for tremor (Parkinson's disease or essential tremor) or dystonia has been performed at the University of Pittsburgh for over 14 years. Formal evaluation of patients is performed under the Parkinson's Disease Program at UPMC.

Thalamotomy is recommended mainly for patients with disabling tremor, especially when one side of the body is afflicted more than the other.

Pallidotomy is considered when other symptoms such as rigidity, bradykinesia, or dyskinesia are present in addition to tremor.