Complications and Side Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation in the Posterior Subthalamic Area

Background: The posterior subthalamic area (PSA), including the zona incerta and prelemniscal radiation (Raprl), has recently been presented in number of publications as a promising target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of various movement disorders. In order to evaluate the safety of the procedure, we analyzed our initial 40 patients for complications and side effects. Methods: 40 patients treated with PSA DBS for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and other forms of tremor were included. Results: The most severe complication was 1 transient mild hemiparesis and 1 infection. Minor complications and side effects were relatively frequent, including mild transient dysphasia in 22.5% of the patients. Conclusions: Few serious complications were encountered, and we consider the PSA to be a safe target for DBS. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel