Neurológia pre prax 6/2008

STEREOTACTIC NEUROSTIMULATION IN TREATING PHARMACORESISTANT EPILEPSY – PAST AND PRESENT

The stimulation technique in neurosurgery is based on the possibilities of sterotactic technique, technical parameters of implantable systems, imaging techniques, and contemporary pathophysiological and clinical knowledge on the role of the potential targets of electrical stimulation. It is the case of not only the stimulation of subcortical structures, but also of those of the cerebellum and cerebral cortex. An advantage of stimulation therapy is the reversible nature of electrical stimulation, limitations include economic factors and mechanical complications of implantable systems. The development of responsive systems which respond to recorded epileptic discharges offers a promising perspective.

Keywords: pharmacoresistant epilepsy, stereotaxis, stimulation.