Objective: Evaluation of safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.
Materials and methods: A cohort of 23 patients, candidates for DBS for Parkinson's disease, Tourette syndrome, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, was randomized in two groups: dexmedetomidine group and control group. Standard anesthesiologic parameters were recorded and analyzed, together with the need for other medications. A ten-degree scale (visual analog scale) assessing patient discomfort during DBS also was recorded at the end of surgery.
Results: The results demonstrated good stability of intraoperative monitoring: no respiratory depression and good overall cooperation with the neurologist, while no side-effects were recorded.
Conclusions: Our conclusion is that dexmedetomidine should be considered as a valuable option for sedation in poorly collaborating patients undergoing DBS surgery.
Keywords: anesthesiology; deep brain stimulation; dexmedetomidine; safety; sedation.
© 2012 International Neuromodulation Society.