Cerebellar electrical stimulation: a critique.
Cerebellar electrical stimulation has been advocated as a beneficial treatment device for improving function in cerebral palsy, but a review of the literature raises questions as to its efficacy and safety. Evaluation of one reported study showed that only 32% of people with implanted cerebellar stimulators had significant improvement in function. This is in contrast to 68% to 92% improvement levels claimed by advocates of the procedure. There is evidence of potential long-term damage to the cerebellum from the device. Further studies are indicated, following the criteria established by the 1976 Medical Device Amendment to the Drug and Cosmetic Act dealing with medical device regulation and control.
D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000502:physiology; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male