Complications of Deep Brain Stimulation in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Objectives: To study the therapeutic effect and complications of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to Parkinson’s disease (PD). Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of DBS performed on 44 patients with Parkinson’s disease who had complications in the post-operation. Results: 1). A stimulation effect was observed in all PD patients during the operation, with the most obvious effect being relief of muscular tension, followed by improvement in tremor and bradykinesia. 2). The implantable pulse generator was activated from 3 days to 1 month after the implantation of the stimulation electrode, and then had an obvious effect. 3). Clinical follow-up was performed from 3 months to 2.5 years post-implantation. The symptoms assessed using the UPDRS score were significantly improved. 4). Two cases of cerebral hemorrhage and vesicular effusion were related to surgical methods. There were several cases of pneumonia in the postoperative fever and two cases of urinary system infection. One case of traverse fracture also occurred. Postoperative electrode exposure and local infection occurred in 1 case. There were 3 cases of lethargy, 2 cases of hallucinations. In the postoperative period, intelligence decreased further in 1 case. One patient had no obvious improvement in rigidity. 5). One case had difficulties in eye opening within 1 month. One case of PD had poor rigidity control. There was also decrease memory after stimulation in 2 cases. Conclusion: Proper selection of patients, appropriate DBS surgical methods and reasonable adjustment of stimulation parameters can effectively prevent and treat related complications.