Electrical Stimulation in Human of the Sensory Thalamic Nuclei and Effects on Dyskinesias and Spasticity. In: Struppler A, Weindl A, editors. Clinical Aspects of Sensory Motor Integration. Berlin: Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 1987. pp. 283-8. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-71540-2_32]

Evolution of brain impedance in dystonic patients treated by GPI electrical stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation is an effective treatment of generalized dystonia. Optimal stimulation parameters vary between patients. This article investigates the influence of electrical brain impedance and delivered current on the brain response to stimulation. Twenty-four patients were bilaterally stimulated in the globus pallidus internus through two implanted four-contact electrodes. The variation of brain impedance and current measurements was correlated with stimulation parameters, time course, and clinical outcome. When a contact was activated, a statistically significant and reversible decrease of brain impedance was found. Impedance and current values and their variations with time significantly differed between patients. The absolute impedance did not significantly correlate with the final outcome. We conclude that the reversible decrease of impedance reflects an adaptive long-term mechanism, which could be due to a plasticity phenomenon, but has no prognostic value. Impedance and current measurements give new complementary information for parameter adjustment and trouble shooting and should therefore be included in all patients' follow-up.

Thalamic stimulation for the treatment of tremor and other movement disorders

Thalamic stimulation for the treatment of tremor and other motor movement disorders is attractive in view of the fact that it is a non-destructive procedure. With the experience of 26 cases indications can be defined. The method is an alternative for treatment of tremor only when thalamotomy carries a high risk of complications. Not only is the cost a limiting factor but also repeated operations for replacing the neuro-pacemaker and thus the risk of infection have to be taken in consideration.