Postoperative Weight Gain and Body Composition in DBS Patients: Associations with IPG Recharge Efficiency

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become an increasingly common therapeutic intervention for the management of movement disorders. In addition, weight gain has been reported following DBS implantation. Several case reports and anecdotal experiences raise questions of difficulties in recharging batteries in patients with larger body mass; however, the relationship between body mass and charge times has not been systematically investigated.

In this exploratory cross-sectional study, 30 people with DBS underwent a standardized charging protocol to establish the rate of battery charge acquisition. Biometric data, including weight, BMI, and body fat, were recorded to establish relationships between biometric parameters and charge rate.

In total, 75% of participants had gained weight since the DBS implantation, with male and female participants gaining, on average, 6.7 kg. A strong and statistically significant correlation was found between body fat and the rate of charge of IPG of male participants (r = -0.6, p = 0.02), but not for female participants, despite having a greater degree of body fat (p < 0.01).

Increases in body mass increase the depth of adipose tissue that lies between the implantable pulse generator and the charger, possibly creating greater resistance for the charge to pass through, hence increasing charge time. These findings inform postoperative educational content regarding the importance of maintaining weight following DBS implantation and reduce the need for additional corrective surgeries in future. Further evaluation of the absence of a significant finding in females is required.