Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Is Safe for Children

Source: Neurology

Summary

This study looked at the safety of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in children with various conditions, including movement disorders, drug-resistant epilepsy, and self-injurious behavior. Researchers gathered data from 130 children aged 3 to 18 years who had undergone DBS at multiple centers in North America. They focused on complications that occurred during and after the surgery, such as infections and hardware issues.

The key findings showed that major complications happened in about 11.5% of the children, with a higher risk in those with movement disorders compared to those with drug-resistant epilepsy. The most common major complications included infections and problems with the DBS hardware. Minor complications were also more frequent in children with movement disorders. Overall, the rates of complications were relatively low, suggesting that DBS can be a safe option for children with these conditions.

These results are important because they provide insight into the safety of DBS in a pediatric population, helping families and doctors make informed decisions. However, the study mainly focused on complications related to the surgery itself and did not address issues that might arise from the stimulation used in DBS. This means that while the surgery appears safe, more research is needed to understand the full range of potential effects of DBS in children.

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