Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease: prevalence of adverse events and need for standardized reporting

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has assumed a prominent role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this manuscript, we attempt to estimate the prevalence and categorize adverse events (AEs) of DBS in PD, based on efficacy studies published over the last decade. We conclude that reliable categorization and quantification of AEs based on available data poses many challenges and argue that a standardized scheme for reporting AEs should be created. This would provide a foundation for a meaningful risk/benefit analysis, for comparison of results between centers and, ultimately, for a well informed decision by physicians and patients as to whether surgery should be pursued.