Question: What are the risks of the STN DBS procedure? Rev. 03/03
Answer: The major risk is that of hemorrhage. Even with that knowledge, the risk of brain hemorrhage, (i.e. bleeding in the surgical site), is less than 2%. Routine pre-operative blood tests are performed to determine whether you are at increased risk of bleeding.
Procedures on the left side of the brain (the most common side treated since most patients are right-handed) may result in slurred speech.
Any time hardware is implanted into the human body there is a risk of it causing infection. This is a rare occurrence. However, if it does occur, the device must be removed. You will be given antibiotics during the testing phase and for 48 hours after implantation to reduce the risk of infection.
Risk of neurological complications (i.e. stroke): Implantation may cause damage to critical structures of the brain causing weakness or paralysis, inability to speak. These complications are very rare and are minimized by the use of the stereotactic frame, computer guidance system, and microelectrode recording.
Risk of general anesthesia: These risks include severe allergic reactions to medications, and airway difficulties leading to stroke, heart attack, or death. These occurrences are rare (< 1%) and will be minimized by a complete medical evaluation prior to surgery.
Reversible side effects: Occasionally, the stimulation may induce side effects such as difficulty with eye lid opening, double vision, tingling sensations, and involuntary movements such as chorea, all of which can be alleviated by adjusting stimulation settings.
These are mechanical devices. Wires may break or disconnect. Batteries will certainly need to be changed. All of these repairs require surgery. Breakage of the brain lead requires implantation of a new one. Patients may note painful sensations when the stimulator is first turned on. Typically, this lasts only a few seconds. If these painful sensations last longer, then the device may have to be reprogrammed.
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