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Pallidotomy is a surgical procedure for PD. A small area of the brain called the globus pallidus secretes the chemical signals that result in the abnormal movements of PD. A pallidotomy is done in an effort to relieve the symptoms. The surgeon destroys part of the globus pallidus (this is called lesioning). To make this precise lesion, mapping of the brain must be done. This is done by CT scanning. A metal fram is attached to hte head and the CT scan is done. This gives the surgical team a preliminary target site. From the CT scan, one is taken to surgery where an incision is made and a dime size hole is drilled into the scull. Probes are passed (microelectrodes) and brain activity is recorded and observations are made while certain tasks are done by the patient. This is called physiological localization and takes some time, but gives reliable information about precisely where the abnormally functioning part of the brain is (globus pallidus, pars interna). A thin metal probe is then placed at the target and heated to destroy this area, completing the pallidotomy. Hope you find this information helpful and complete. The wording was taken from a consent for pallidotomy, performed on my father 3 weeks ago. Good luck to you.