Venous Infarct after Sacrifice of Single Cortical Vein during Deep-Brain Stimulation Surgery

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared and dreadful complication related to deep-brain stimulation (DBS). Bleeding may originate from arterial or venous damage. Commonly, hemorrhage is detected by postoperative imaging performed to assess lead positioning in asymptomatic patients. Rarely, hemorrhage leads to stroke, coma, or even death. We present the case of a patient who suffered a severe ICH of venous origins after bilateral DBS. Deep-brain hemorrhages are the most difficult to be predicted and to be prevented because they are caused by small vessels. As superficial hemorrhages are secondary to venous coagulation or sulcal hemorrhage, neurosurgeons must drive all efforts to minimize their occurrence.