Computer-assisted analysis of functional anatomy of human ventrolateral thalamus

A three-dimensional map was created by a computer-assisted analysis of functional and somatotopic organization of the target area in the human ventrolateral thalamus. Stimulation in the target area mostly elicited increased tone in skeletal muscles, with a concomitant decrease or stop of tremor. Despite averaging of all responses, no clear somatotopic organization could be demonstrated for the tonifying stimulation effects. In addition, somatosensory-evoked potentials were recorded, indicating an afferent projection to the target area.