Microrecording for the study of thalamic organization, for tumor biopsy and removal.

Abstract

Use of microrecording technique in stereotactic selective thalamotomy, and in stereotactic biopsy for deep-seated lesions and in tumor removal was briefly described. For selective thalamotomy, the microrecording gives ample information to delineate thalamic subnuclei. Thus, the ventrointermedius (Vim) nucleus is identified by high-amplitude background activity and large-spike discharge, some of which responds solely to contralateral natural stimuli of kinesthetic modality. A small coagulation including this thalamic Vim point resulted in permanent arrest of the various kinds of tremor. As the normal brain tissue, whether the gray or white matter, is electrically active, the microrecording is useful to delineate the brain tumor from its surroundings. Stereotactic diagnostic biopsy and removal of the brain tumor were facilitated by this adjuvant method.