Rapid battery depletion and loss of therapy due to a short circuit in bipolar DBS for essential tremor.

Allert, Niels; Barbe, Michael Thomas; Timmermann, Lars; Coenen, Volker Arnd · Acta Neurochir (Wien) · 2017

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Technical dysfunctions have been reported reducing efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS). Here, we report on an essential-tremor patient in whom a short circuit in bipolar DBS resulted not only in unilateral loss of therapy but also in high current flow and thereby rapid decline of the impulse-generator battery voltage from 2.83 V a week before the event to 2.54 V, indicating the need for an impulse-generator replacement. Immediate re-programming restored therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the reduction in current flow allowed the battery voltage to recover without immediate surgical intervention to 2.81 V a week later.

Medical subject headings