title: Intracranial ablative procedures for the treatment of chronic pain.
abstract: Three main techniques delineate a possible role for intracranial ablative procedures in patients with chronic pain. Recent studies demonstrate a continued need for clinical investigation into central mechanisms of neuroablation to best define its role in the care of patients with otherwise intractable and severe pain syndromes. Cingulotomy can result in long-term pain relief. Although it can be associated with subtle impairments of attention, there is little risk to other cognitive domains.
authors.affiliation: Stanford Neurosurgery, 300 Pasteur Drive, Boswell Building, A301, Stanford, CA 94305-5327. Electronic address: jmenon16@stanford.edu.
authors.forename: Jayant P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Menon
mesh_terms: D055011:Ablation Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000601:surgery*; D006179:Gyrus Cinguli / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000601:surgery; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000601:surgery; D013788:Thalamus / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D059708:Ultrasonic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods
keywords: Anterior cingulotomy; Mesencephalic tractotomy; Thalamotomy