Cerebral Venous Infarction After Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

Venous infarction is an important adverse event potentially encountered in the practice of deep brain stimulation (DBS). This adverse event is considered to result from damage to the cortical vein during surgery and is noted on postoperative day 1 or 2 owing to neurologic symptoms such as confusion and headache. The imaging findings are characterized by edema surrounding the trajectory of the DBS lead and flame-shaped hemorrhage in some cases. Venous infarction can be managed conservatively with careful observation, and the prognosis is usually benign. The neurologic condition of patients can in many cases return to baseline after days to weeks, as observed in this case. The prognostic information is valuable for reassuring afflicted patients and their families.