How easy is it to have the epilepsy patch prescribed?

[Chimbelina]

What are your thoughts on the newly available epilepsy patch as reported in the Daily Telegraph on Monday 12th November? Might this be of real help to those suffering nocturnal seizures and myoclonic epilepsy?

[LeighS Epilepsy Research UK]

Hi Chimbelina

I think the TNS system is some way off from being prescribed widely. Whilst it has been awarded the CE mark which essentially means it is safe to use, data on how effective it is, is relatively limited. The manufacturers are planning a major study in the States, the results of which will influence how much doctors will want to prescribe it.

It is also quite expensive. I understand it is in the region of 2500 euros for the system and then 10 euros a day for the electrodes. Therefore, given the cost implications, it is likely that it will only be considered for people whose epilepsy does not respond to medication.

[Chimbelina]

Thanks for the answer...

Lets hope cost and availability become more accessible. After all the possible improvement in quality of life is of equal importance to each individual. For the severely epileptic it might mean a reduction of seizures with all the benefits that entails and for someone less severely affected it may mean they are at last able to resume a near normal life and become a fully functioning member of society. How does one decide who is more deserving?

[Hidden]

Forget the patch ever arriving here in South Africa... I can't see it coming until many years if ever. I'd be surprised if it does. LeighS is correct, I am sure... it would only be considered for people whose epilepsy doesn't respond to medication, especially at that price. I would have loved to try the VNS system but again costs and availability here are a "no-no"!