[Chronic intracerebral electric stimulation for analgesia in man]

This report concerns the current status of the results of intraencephalic implantations carried out up to the present time in man with the aim of relieving certain forms of chronic pain. It places little emphasis upon the neuro-physiological basis of these implantations, which have been studied at length during previous reports. After presenting the overall results of operations carried out in the world up until September 1967, a critical study is undertaken: 1--In relation to the targets (Postero-Lateral Ventral Nucleus, posterior arm of the internal capsule, para-ventricular thalamic grey matter). 2--In relation to etiologies, both analytically (syndrome) by syndrome as well as in terms of synthesis (excess of pain perception-deafferentation). 3--In terms of various factors, such as: --technical requirements; --side ffects; --duration of "post effect" (residual analgesia after stimulation); --parallel action of drugs. Conclusions are drawn concerning future perspectives of this technique.