Computer-assisted stereotactic ventralis lateralis thalamotomy with microelectrode recording control in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Stereotactic ventralis lateralis thalamotomy can be performed in selected patients with medically intractable parkinsonian tremor and rigidity. New technology, including computed tomography-based stereotaxis and microelectrode recording techniques, provides a data base for precise localization of thalamic lesions tailored to each patient and thus reduces the risk associated with such a procedure. At our institution, 12 patients with medically intractable parkinsonian tremor have undergone this procedure; all experienced alleviation or cessation of the tremor and no permanent disabling neurologic sequelae.