Chronic dorsal column stimulation: effects on H reflex and symptoms in a patient with multiple sclerosis.

In a case of severe multiple sclerosis primarily affecting the spinal cord, dorsal column stimulation over a 2-year period was followed by some functional improvement in locomotion. Additionally, the H reflex recovery cycle, which was quite abnormal before stimulation, showed a pronounced shift toward a more normal pattern with dorsal column stimulation. These data provide objective support for the apparent symptomatic relief by this procedure in such cases.