Hypomania as an adverse effect of subthalamic nucleus stimulation: report of two cases

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2006 Aug;148(8):895-7; discussion 898. doi: 10.1007/s00701-006-0795-4. Epub 2006 Jun 12.

Abstract

Mania following subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) is well described and obvious to both the patient and their physician. The authors describe two patients who developed hypomania following STN-DBS but were unaware of their mood disturbance. Two Parkinson's patients with no previous mood disorders received bilateral STN electrodes. Both experienced dramatic improvement in their motor function and neither complained of any side effects. Their families reported detrimental hypomanic behaviour. Readjusting the stimulation parameters resolved the hypomania with continued motor benefits. The authors draw attention to potential adverse effects of STN-DBS that might be neglected by patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Basal Ganglia
  • Deep Brain Stimulation / adverse effects*
  • Depressive Disorder / etiology*
  • Depressive Disorder / physiopathology
  • Electrodes, Implanted / adverse effects
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Pathways / physiopathology
  • Neural Pathways / surgery
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Subthalamic Nucleus / physiopathology*
  • Subthalamic Nucleus / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome