Method of lesioning brainstem determines seizure probability

We examined 3 different methods of brainstem lesioning to assess their propensities to evoke seizures in the early postoperative period. Lesioning by electrolysis or microinjection of the neurotoxin, N-methyl-D,L-aspartate, caused seizures, but lesioning by thermocoagulation (radiofrequency current) did not. In paradigms in which postoperative lesion-induced seizures could confound interpretation of experimental results, the thermocoagulative method offers an important advantage.