What follow-up protocols should be implemented for patients post-deep brain stimulation to monitor for complications or device issues?

Follow-up protocols after deep brain stimulation (DBS) should include regular clinical assessments to monitor for complications and device-related issues. This involves scheduled outpatient reviews to assess neurological symptoms, device function, and any adverse effects.

Patients should be informed about potential device complications and the importance of attending follow-up appointments for device checks, including battery status and programming adjustments. These appointments may include physical examination and interrogation of the DBS device by specialist teams.

Any new or changing neurological symptoms should prompt urgent clinical review and appropriate imaging if indicated, to exclude complications such as infection, lead migration, or hardware malfunction.

Multidisciplinary involvement is important, including neurology, neurosurgery, and specialist nursing, to provide comprehensive care and support.

Patient education on recognizing signs of device failure or infection and when to seek medical advice is essential to ensure timely management.

While specific NICE guidelines on DBS follow-up are limited, principles from related neurological device management and brain tumour follow-up emphasize regular clinical review, symptom monitoring, and device checks to ensure safety and efficacy ¹,³.