Complications After Deep Brain Stimulation: A 21-Year Experience in 426 Patients

Deep brain stimulation is an established treatment for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. However, various complications that occur after deep brain stimulation are a major concern for patients and neurosurgeons. This study aimed to analyze various complications that occur after deep brain stimulation. We reviewed the medical records of patients with a movement disorder who underwent bilateral deep brain stimulation between 2000 and 2020. Among them, patients requiring revision surgery were analyzed. A total of 426 patients underwent bilateral deep brain stimulation for a movement disorder. The primary disease was Parkinson's disease in 315 patients, followed by dystonia in 71 patients and essential tremor in 40 patients. Twenty-six (6.1%) patients had complications requiring revision surgery; the most common complication was infection (12 patients, 2.8%). Various complications may occur after deep brain stimulation, and patient prognosis should be improved by reducing complications.