[Stereotaxic treatment in Parkinson's disease]

For the stereotactic treatment of Parkinson's disease, the target is usually located in the thalamus; this point is related to nearby structures (third ventricle). Then the position is controlled by electrophysiological recordings. The lesion of the target results in permanent suppression of the contralateral tremor and/or rigidity but it changes neither the course of the disease nor the akinesia. Owing to the risk of dysarthria with bilateral procedures, the main indication for surgery is parkinsonism with unilateral tremor or rigidity. Particularly interesting for the future are the possibilities of stimulation through implanted chronic electrodes.