[Identification of nuclei of the pretectal area during stereotaxic surgery for spastic torticollis].

The neurons of mesencephalic nuclear structures were studied by microelectrode techniques for functional identification of the interstitial nucleus of Cajal during 18 stereotaxic operations on patients with torticollis. It is shown that the use of microneuronography for functional identification of structures of the pretectal region and mesencephalic structures bordering it is promising. The functional cellular complexes of these structures which respond selectively to voluntary movements of the eyes and head, rapid voluntary movements of the eyes, fixation and maintenance of the gaze, and combined movements of the eyes and head are characterized for the first time. In comparison with intracerebral radiological guiding points, the registration of these data makes possible intraoperative active search for functional neuronographically identified zones linked with the pathological mechanisms of torticollis and the performance of selective destruction with minimum volume of damage.