Electrical stimulation across the midline and between basal ganglion nuclei

Paired unipolar electrodes were introduced into the pulvinar and ventrolateral thalamic nuclei in 3 patients. Stimulation was applied in 1 patient in an attempt to alter the vegetative state after a closed head injury, and increased alertness and ability to comply resulted with stimulation. Auditory evoked responses improved from almost flat to a recognizable pattern. In the 2nd patient, bilateral disabling intention tremor was relieved for several days after a few hours of stimulation. In the 3rd, brachial plexus avulsion pain was improved by stimulation from the contralateral pulvinar to the ventroposterior lateral thalamic nucleus.