§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to make implant therapy for neurological diseases available to all NHS patients. [120761]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 4 May 2000]: Implant therapy can, in some patients, be highly beneficial for people with neurological conditions. However, it is a relatively new and developing field and the merits of this form of treatment compared with traditional therapies have not yet been thoroughly tested. It is for a patient's neurologist to decide if implant therapy would be beneficial given the circumstances of each individual patient.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the review on implant therapy for neurological diseases will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [120760]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 4 May 2000]: There is some evidence that neurostimulation may help a small number of patients with severe Parkinson's Disease. There is no clear evidence however, about whether it is a clinically or cost effective alternative to another surgical technique (lesional surgery) or best medical treatment. In addition, there are three kinds of neurostimulation and at present the long-term safety of one type of stimulation (sub-thalamic) has yet to be established.
409WAn independent assessment of the evidence is now required for the use of neurostimulator implants in the treatment of severe Parkinson's Disease. We are currently considering the best way to take this forward.