Chronic paleocerebellar stimulation for the treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Four case report

Abstract

4 patients suffering severe neuromuscular diseases were subjected to a subtentorial implantation of electrodes over the anterior cerebellar lobe surface. Chronic stimulation was applied for 90 min to 7 h daily, with a rate of 20--180 Hz, 6--10 V and a schedule of 15 min "on", 15 min "off". Some improvement was observed in 3 patients treated with high frequency stimulation. 1 patient suffered seizures after three months of chronic stimulation. In 2 cases, posterior fossa explorations were necessary for revision of the stimulation apparatus and marked meningeal proliferation surrounding the electrodes was observed. Light and electron microscopic examination of the biopsies showed loss of Purkinje cells and gliofibrillar reaction. Effectiveness and side effects of chronic stimulation of the cerebellum are discussed.