Dorsal column stimulation (DCS) for persistent vegetative state patients

Dorsal column stimulation (DCS) therapeutic method has been used to control chronic pain and reduce spasticity of hemiplegia, but we experienced obvious improvement of reactions and expressions and increases in activity, in addition to the above actions. It is well known that electrical stimulation changes the neurotransmitter levels and cerebral blood flow, and this therapeutic method began with application of these effects for protracted consciousness disturbance. We have treated more than 200 cases after incorporation of DCS. We investigated the primary disease, age, imaging findings, and preoperative local cerebral blood flow in these patients, and found many common points in effective cases. Here, we report our studies on surgery and decision of application, focusing on DCS.