Cerebral palsy and stereotactic neurosurgery: long term results.

A retrospective study was performed on a group of 28 patients with cerebral palsy, who had undergone a stereotactic encephalotomy for hyperkinesia or dystonia. The mean postoperative follow up period was 21 years (range: 12-27). Eighteen patients were available for follow up, nine had died, and one could not be traced. A positive result was obtained in eight of the 18 reassessed patients. Determining factors for the outcome were the degree of preoperative disability, side effects of the operation, and ageing since operation. The more favourable results were obtained in patients with hyperkinesia, tremor, and predominantly unilateral dystonia.