Therapeutic stereotactic procedures on the thalamus for motor movement disorders.

Abstract

The value of functional neurosurgery in the treatment of motor movement disorders is emphasized. The two methods of stereotactic procedures, namely a destructive one with small lesions centered on specific targets, and a non-destructive one with chronically inserted electrodes connected with an also implanted programmable neuropacemaker are described in detail. The results in Parkinsonian tremor, essential tremor, tremor of multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic tremor and in other involuntary movement disorders are reported and demonstrate that stereotactic neurosurgical treatment of these conditions is a safe and efficacious method.