Electrical stimulation across the midline and between basal ganglion nuclei.
Paired unipolar electrodes were introduced into the pulvinar and ventrolateral thalamic nuclei in 3 patients. Stimulation was applied in 1 patient in an attempt to alter the vegetative state after a closed head injury, and increased alertness and ability to comply resulted with stimulation. Auditory evoked responses improved from almost flat to a recognizable pattern. In the 2nd patient, bilateral disabling intention tremor was relieved for several days after a few hours of stimulation. In the 3rd, brachial plexus avulsion pain was improved by stimulation from the contralateral pulvinar to the ventroposterior lateral thalamic nucleus.
Heimburger
R F
RF
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
D000328:Adult; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000293:injuries; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059408:Pain Management; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014202:Tremor / Q000628:therapy*