Reminiscences on stereotactic neurosurgery.

Abstract

This report is a straightforward account of the author's personal experience as a practicing neurosurgeon, particularly his experience in the surgical treatment of Parkinson's disease, before the discovery of the partially successful medical treatment using the drug L-dopa. Even today, L-dopa plays a major role in alleviating the disabling symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Frank revelations are made of events not usually included in the medical literature, or even in public newspapers and journals. Furthermore, no attempt was made by the author to hide facts or to protect anyone, including the author himself.