Sedation with α2 Agonist Dexmedetomidine During Unilateral Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation: A Preliminary Report.

Objective: The α2 agonist dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an anesthetic agent that can provide sedation and analgesia without respiratory depression or changes in neuronal activity during microrecordings. The aim of our study was to confirm the efficacy and safety of anesthesia with DEX for unilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with Parkinson disease.

Methods: In 2013 and 2014, a series of 11 consecutive patients received continuous low-dose DEX infusion during unilateral deep brain stimulation of the STN.