Electrical stimulation of the posterior limb of the internal capsule for treatment of thalamic pain.

Electrical stimulation of the posterior limb of the internal capsule was performed in 7 patients with thalamic pain who had developed dysesthesia, hyperpathia and/or spontaneous burning pain. Ramped bipolar stimulation elicited sensory responses, such as warm or comfortable sensation. Follow-up from 9 months to 2 years and 7 months showed that 3 patients had a good result, two had fair and the remaining two had poor results. No serious side effects were seen. The mechanism of pain relief by the internal capsule stimulation is discussed.