Evoked potentials from the human thalamus: correlation with microstimulation and single unit recording.

During stereotactic surgery, intrathalamic single unit recordings and summated evoked potentials (Th-SEP), evoked by percutaneous electrical median nerve stimulation and intrathalamic microstimulation, were done using the same microelectrode at the same site. Potentials evoked by natural and electrical stimulation were compared. The format of Th-SEP varied in anteroposterior, mediolateral and dorsoventral directions in the ventrocaudal nucleus (Vc). The positive response peak latency was shortest from the caudal part of Vc and longest from the anterior part of Vc.