What are the risks of deep brain stimulation?
-
Dr. Arif Dalvi of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:The most restrictive complication of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is brain hemorrhage. As part of brain mapping or placing the DBS electrode a blood vessel may rupture and lead to bleeding in the brain. This happens in about 1-3% of patients. Some patients may have severe stroke-like symptoms as a result. Other complications include infection, and lead breakage, which is very uncommon. Side effects from stimulation such as numbness, slurred speech, and double vision can occur, but can be minimized with skillful programming of the DBS device. Occasional patients may need repositioning of the DBS electrode if side effects limit response to treatment.The most restrictive complication of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is brain hemorrhage. As part of brain mapping or placing the DBS electrode a blood vessel may rupture and lead to bleeding in the brain. This happens in about 1-3% of... More -
Dr. Brian Kopell of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:The most serious risks of deep brain stimulation include coma, bleeding in the brain, seizures, stroke, and death, however, the risks of these occurring are extremely low. The most common risks are infection, misplacement of the lead, and malfunction of the lead. These risks are more common than the more severe risks but the chances of these occurring are also very low.
The most serious risks of deep brain stimulation include coma, bleeding in the brain, seizures, stroke, and death, however, the risks of these occurring are extremely low. The most common risks are infection, misplacement of the lead, and... More -
Healthwise answered:Risks of deep brain stimulation include:
- Bleeding in the brain during the surgery, resulting in a stroke.
- Numbness, tingling, twitching or other abnormal sensations when the device is turned on. (These usually do not last long and can be eliminated by adjusting the programming of the deep brain stimulation device.)
- Infection or skin irritation caused by the device in the chest (stimulator) or electrodes.
- Problems with the device, such as: A break in the wire leading from the electrode to the stimulator; Movement of the wires or the device under the skin; Need for a new battery for the device. A battery typically will last about 5 years; Failure or malfunction of the stimulator or the electrodes.
- Psychological problems, such as apathy and depression.
Risks of deep brain stimulation include: Bleeding in the brain during the surgery, resulting in a stroke. Numbness, tingling, twitching or other abnormal sensations when the device is turned on. (These usually do not last long and can be... More
