Deep brain stimulation could cause delayed and recurrent cerebral ischemia: a case report

A 40-year-old male who had a severe tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity for 6 years underwent bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) at our hospital. The patient did not have any prior ischemia events or any risk factors in his medical history. Six and 9 months post-operation, this patient was admitted to the hospital twice for lower left limb involuntary twitching. Two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed cerebral ischemia surrounding the implanted electrode. To our knowledge, this is the first case of recurrent cerebral ischemia associated with DBS. Reports in the literature of cerebral ischemia associated with DBS were reviewed, and the mechanism was discussed.