Suicide Attempt in a Poststroke Patient After Undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical treatment for movement disorders.
• DBS involves implanting electrodes into specific brain areas to deliver electrical impulses.
• Potential adverse psychiatric effects, including depression and suicidality, are known risks of DBS therapy.

Observation:

• This report details a case of a patient with acute dystonia who underwent DBS.
• The patient had a history of ischemic stroke.
• Two months post-DBS, the patient attempted suicide while experiencing depression.

Findings:

• The case illustrates a severe adverse psychiatric outcome following DBS.
• This event occurred in a patient with pre-existing depression and a history of stroke.

Implications:

• Clinicians should exercise caution when considering DBS for patients with current or past depression.
• Thorough psychiatric evaluation is crucial before DBS implantation.
• Further research is needed to understand and mitigate the risk of depression and suicidality associated with DBS.