[Spinal cord hypothermia in neurosurgical practice].

Spinal cord hypothermia was conducted in 113 patients. It led to a decrease of bleeding from the tissues during the operation, reduced edema of the spinal cord, diminished spasticity of muscles, improved motor function of the affected limbs, and alleviation of the pain syndrome. Hypothermia of the spinal cord also caused changes in motoneuron excitability and circulation, both local and general, and shifts in body thermoregulation.