Direct validation of atlas-based red nucleus identification for functional radiosurgery

Radiosurgery for movement disorders

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been proposed as an alternative treatment modality to pharmaceutical administration and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients suffering from movement disorders. Advanced neuroimaging is required for the identification of the functional structures and the accurate placement of the SRS lesion within the brain. Atlas-based techniques have also been used to aid delineation of the target during treatment planning. Maximum doses greater than 120 Gy have been suggested for controlling movement disorders. These high delivered doses and the irreversible character of SRS require accurate placement of the created lesions. In this article, achievements in the field of stereotactic radiosurgery, neuroimaging, and radiosurgical dose planning are reviewed, and an overview is provided of the clinical experience obtained to date in the radiosurgical treatment of movement disorders.