Complications of Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

TLDR

Despite technological advances, DBS surgery still carries significant risks of transient and permanent complications. The study reports on 86 patients and 149 DBS implants performed for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. In this series, 26 of 86 patients (30%) experienced complications—8 perioperative, 8 postoperative, 9 hardware‑related, and 4 stimulation‑induced side effects—with 5 patients (6%) sustaining persistent neurological sequelae, yet no fatalities or permanent severe disabilities were observed, underscoring the need for comprehensive informed consent.

Abstract

Although technological advances have reduced device-related complications, DBS surgery still carries a significant risk of transient and permanent complications. We report our experience in 86 patients and 149 DBS implants. Patients with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia were treated. There were 8 perioperative, 8 postoperative, 9 hardware-related complications and 4 stimulation-induced side effects. Only 5 patients (6%) sustained some persistent neurological sequelae, however, 26 of the 86 patients undergoing 149 DBS implants in this series experienced some untoward event with the procedure. Although there were no fatalities or permanent severe disabilities encountered, it is important to extend the informed consent to include all potential complications.