Stereotactic treatment of central pain

In the present study, the effect of stereotactic treatment on central pain is briefly reviewed. Studies have shown that the spinothalamic tract projects to the shell zone of the principal sensory nucleus (Vc) and its rostral part (Vim), where it forms clusters. Recent anatomophysiological studies have revealed specific nociceptive neurons in the thalamic submedius and VMpo nucleus, from which fibers project to the insular and cingulate cortex. In the abnormal state of central pain, these structures may be subjected to excess excitation. Thalamic recording during the course of stereotactic thalamotomy strongly supports this hypothesis. Thus, Vim-Vcpc thalamotomy ameliorates the so-called deep pain after stroke.