[Preliminary results of direct stimulation of damaged optic nerves]

The authors approbated in the clinic a new method for restoring vision in 22 patients in damage of the optic nerves caused by pathological processes in the opticochiasmic area of the brain (tumors of the hypophysis, arachnoiditis, the sequelae of trauma). The novelty of the method lies in introducing electrodes under the nerve sheath during operation performed for the main pathological process and producing direct electrostimulation (ES) of the nerves for 3-4 weeks after the operation. The authors chose the optimum parameters of therapeutic ES under control of a direct record of the bioelectrical activity of the optic nerves and ophthalmological examination of the patients. Positive therapeutic effect was obvious in three fourths of patients, in one third of whom vision was completely normalized. The results of using the new method of implantation of electrodes into the optic nerves and the probable mechanisms of the restoration of vision under the effect of their direct ES are discussed.