What are the key postoperative care considerations for patients who have undergone deep brain stimulation surgery?

Key postoperative care considerations for patients who have undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery include close neurological monitoring, management of device-related issues, medication adjustments, and prevention of complications such as infection and cognitive or mood changes. Early postoperative management involves careful programming of the DBS device to optimize therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse events, which requires multidisciplinary input from neurology and specialist nursing teams (Kupsch et al., 2011). Patients should be monitored for potential stimulation-related side effects, including dysarthria, paresthesia, or mood alterations, and adjustments to stimulation parameters should be made accordingly (Krack et al., 2002).

Infection prevention is critical, given the implantable nature of the device; strict aseptic technique during surgery and vigilant postoperative wound care are essential to reduce infection risk (Harbell et al., 2024). Additionally, patients require education on device care and recognition of signs of complications such as hardware malfunction or infection. Medication regimens often need to be reviewed and adjusted postoperatively, especially in conditions like Parkinson’s disease or dystonia, to balance pharmacological and stimulation effects (Kupsch et al., 2011).

Regular follow-up is necessary to assess neuropsychological status, as cognitive decline or mood disturbances can occur post-DBS and may require intervention (Krack et al., 2002). Hydration, nutrition, and optimal positioning should be maintained to support recovery, similar to general neurosurgical postoperative care principles ¹,². Coordination with multidisciplinary teams ensures comprehensive care, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy to maximize functional outcomes.