Intermittent stimulation of nucleus ventralis posterolateralis for intractable pain

A number of patients with intractable pain were subjected to electrical stimulation of the nucleus ventralis posterolateralis. Positive results obtained support the theory according to which pain is caused by lack of proprioceptive stimuli reaching the thalamus. The implantation technique is discussed and improvements of electrodes and of the device are proposed. Optimal stimulation parameters are defined.