Stereotaxic Implantation of Electrodes in the Human Brain: A Method for Long-Term Study and Treatment

A stereotaxic method for placement of electrodes in the human brain is described. Radiographic visualization of subcortical targets are discussed and error correction formulas are developed. Electrodes and fixation methods for long-term human implantation are described. Multiple stainless steel or silver bail electrodes have been implanted in 75 patients with schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression, Parkinson's disease, narcolepsy, and intractable pain. The silver ball electrode is more satisfactory for recording and stimulation. Biphasic 0.25-ms duration currents from 2-7 mA have been applied to animals and humans without evidence of structural damage.