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Updated: May 20, 2026
Intra-Operative Behavioral Tasks in Awake Humans Undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Published on: January 6, 2011
Safety in the use of dexmedetomidine (precedex) for deep brain stimulation surgery: our experience in 23 randomized
Marco Sassi1, Edvin Zekaj, Alessandra Grotta
1Functional Neurosurgical Unit, IRCCS Galeazzi, Milan, Italy; Department of Statistics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology, IRCCS C. Mondino Institute of Neurology Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Objective:
Evaluation of safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.
Materials And Methods:
A cohort of 23 patients, candidates for DBS for Parkinson's disease, Tourette syndrome, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, was randomized in two groups: dexmedetomidine group and control group. Standard anesthesiologic parameters were recorded and analyzed, together with the need for other medications. A ten-degree scale (visual analog scale) assessing patient discomfort during DBS also was recorded at the end of surgery.
Results:
The results demonstrated good stability of intraoperative monitoring: no respiratory depression and good overall cooperation with the neurologist, while no side-effects were recorded.
Conclusions:
Our conclusion is that dexmedetomidine should be considered as a valuable option for sedation in poorly collaborating patients undergoing DBS surgery.
