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Deep brain stimulation could cause delayed and recurrent cerebral ischemia: a case report
Yi Wang1, HongBin Liu1, Peng Li1
1Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Acta Neurochirurgica
|October 17, 2016
Summary
This study reports the first case of recurrent cerebral ischemia after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (DBS) in a Parkinson's patient. The condition manifested as limb twitching, with MRI confirming ischemia near the implanted electrode.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a therapeutic option for movement disorders.
- Subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS is commonly used for Parkinson's disease.
- Cerebral ischemia is a potential complication of neurosurgical procedures.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old male with Parkinson's disease underwent bilateral STN DBS.
- Postoperatively, the patient experienced recurrent lower limb involuntary twitching.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed cerebral ischemia adjacent to the implanted DBS electrodes.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of recurrent cerebral ischemia linked to STN DBS.
- The ischemia was observed in the vicinity of the implanted electrodes.
- No prior history of ischemic events or risk factors was noted in the patient.
Implications:
- This finding highlights a potential, previously unreported complication of STN DBS.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of DBS-associated cerebral ischemia.
- Neurosurgeons and neurologists should consider cerebral ischemia in patients presenting with new neurological deficits post-DBS.
