Electrical stimulation of the globus pallidus preceding stereotactic posteroventral pallidotomy

Physiological methods such as microelectrode recording of neuronal activity and electrical stimulation of target structures can improve the safety and efficacy of certain stereotactic surgeries. The globus pallidus (GP) was electrically stimulated in 136 patients with Parkinson's disease prior to unilateral posteroventral pallidotomy to identify functional areas and prevent deficits. We found that electrical stimulation of the GP elicited two principal responses: contractions of the contralateral hand and flashing lights. The mean voltage that evoked motor responses was 4.3 V (range 1.7-9.0 V), while higher intensity was necessary to elicit visual responses (mean 6.8 V; range 3.5-9.9 V). Contralateral tremor, speech impairment, paresthesias, and warm sensations were also elicited.