Application Detail
Status
ClosedDescription of Medical Service
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS® Therapy) Therapy is an adjunctive non-pharmacologic treatment for patients with drug-resistant partial or generalised epilepsy which can improve seizure control and quality-of-life for patients with epilepsy.VNS® Therapy involves insertion of a small pulse generator (similar to a pacemaker) under the skin in the left chest wall and a lead attached to the left vagus nerve in the neck, to deliver precisely timed and measured electrical stimulation to the left vagus nerve. Using an external programming system (hand-held computer, software and wand), neurologists can adjust the timing and amount of stimulation the patient receives.
VNS® Therapy results in a decrease in both the rate and severity of seizures for patients where no other therapy is available.
Description of Medical Condition
Epilepsy is a disorder characterised by unprovoked recurrent seizures, a neurological state in which a region (focus) of the brain or the entire brain develops abnormal, hypersynchronous neuronal discharges. Seizures are classified as either generalised (whole brain involved from onset) or partial (regional or focal seizure onset). For the majority of patients, seizures are adequately controlled with Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs). Approximately 30% of epilepsy patients do not respond to medical treatment and are termed “refractory” despite treatment with a combination of AEDs.Reason for Application
New MBS itemMedical Service Type
TherapeuticPrevious Application Number
1358Associated Documentation
Application Form
-PICO Confirmation
As per Application 1358Assessment Report
-Public Summary Document
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Consumer Friendly Public Summary Document (PSD)
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Consumer Friendly PSDs - The Basics
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