Long-term results of stimulation of the septal area for relief of neurogenic pain.

Chronic brain stimulation may be a useful method of treating chronic neurogenic pain. However, the knowledge about the basic mechanisms responsible for pain relief is still fragmentary, and the clinical results have often been inconsistent even contradictory. In an attempt to explore the possibility of stimulating other cerebral targets, stimulating electrodes have been implanted in the septal region in addition to stimulation in the sensory thalamus or the periventricular grey. In 19 patients subjected to septal stimulation, 12 experienced satisfactory relief of their spontaneous pain together with abolition of allodynia. There were no untoward side effects. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 10 years. Our result suggest that the septal area may be a suitable alternative target for chronic brain stimulation.