Tension reduction and alerting in man following chronic cerebellar stimulation for the relief of spasticity or intractable seizures.

Neurologically impaired patients on therapeutic regimens of chronic cerebellar stimulation for periods ranging from 4 to 29 months (mean = 12.8 months) commonly reported amelioration of tension and/or anxiety. Cerebral palsy patients emphasized tension reduction while seizure patients primarily reported increased alertness. Increased alertness and improvement in speech and mood were also noted by many patients. These changes correlated significantly with symptom reduction and functional improvement. Although the mechanisms of these changes are not yet clear, psychological and neurological explanatory hypotheses were presented.