Stimulation of the dentate nuclei for spasticity

It has been assumed but not been proved that cerebellar cortical stimulation activates the Purkinje cells, thereby inhibiting the deep nuclei. Furthermore, the destruction of these particular cells, consistently demonstrated in biopsy material, has not been accounted for. These has led the author to introduce chronic stimulation of the dentate nuclei for spasticity in 1978. The long-term results of stimulation in 22 such cases are reported, followed-up between 2 and 6 years. Both the clinical results and the electrophysiological changes produced by stimulation are analyzed. They seem to indicate that it is a rational approach to relieve spasticity and to improve motor function.