[Stereotaxic method of treating extrapyramidal spastic torticollis].

A total of 196 stereotaxic operations were performed on different subcortical structures (ventrooral thalamic nuclei, subthalamic area, Cajal's nucleus) in 152 patients with various forms of extrapyramidal spasmodic torticollis. A classification of the various forms of torticollis is suggested and 4 degrees of severity of the disease are distinguished. Study of the late results showed stable and marked improvement or practical recovery in more than 50 per cent of patients. Bilateral stereotaxic operations produce a good stable effect twice as often as unilateral operations (68% of patients). The choice of the side on which the first operation will be performed should be based on the suggested classification of the forms of the disease with due account for the predominant affection of different groups of muscles on one or both sides.