Functional neuroanatomy of the target area for the treatment of pathological tremor: an electrophysiological approach.

Within the target area used for the stereotactic treatment of pathological tremor, recording of somatosensory evoked potentials and single units and also electrical stimulation were performed. The data were correlated with anatomical sites as demonstrated in the stereotactic atlas of Schaltenbrand and Wahren by using a computer system. The affected anatomical area was predominantly the prelemniscal radiation and adjacent thalamic nuclei. The recordings and stimulation effects indicate that a direct spinal input is involved in the control of muscle tone and manifestation of tremor.