Microelectrode Recordings in the Pallidum

The internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) is being targeted in neurosurgical procedures to treat Parkinson's disease and dystonia. Precise targeting of the pallidal complex is important in determining the efficacy of the surgical intervention and for the avoidance of adverse effects. Intraoperative microelectrode recording can be used to characterize the patterns of activity and receptive field properties of single pallidal neurons and to identify important bordering structures, including the optic tract and internal capsule. Because the clinical features of movement disorders can be differentially affected as a function of location within the pallidal complex, further refinements in intraoperative targeting may become important.