Stereotactic surgery for cerebral palsy

The results of stereotactic surgery in 38 patients with cerebral palsy are reviewed. A total of 67 nuclei were approached and 109 stereotactic lesions performed. The motor disorders were spasticity, athetosis, dystonia and tremor. The targets were chosen according to the motor disorder, and included the pulvinar, ventrolateral (VL), sub-VL and cerebellar dentate, and a combination of 2 or 3 of these. The results of the surgery were evaluated on the basis of objective functional improvement using a scale for task achievement. Varying degrees of overall improvement were found in over 80% of the patients; these are discussed in detail.