Applications

1701 – Deep brain stimulation of the thalamus for the treatment of severe refractory epilepsy

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Complete
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation Closed
  • Pre-MSAC consultation Closed
  • Outcome Not supported

Application details

Reason for application

Amendment to MBS item.

Service or technology in this application

Deep brain stimulation delivers electrical impulses to a key central location deep in the brain, suppressing the bursts of epileptic discharges that characterise seizures. Under general anaesthetic, a neurosurgeon places electrode leads into the thalamus of the brain through small holes in the skull. The leads are connected to wires running under the skin behind the ear and down the side of the neck, and are attached to a battery powered neurostimulator device implanted in the upper chest. After implantation, the frequency and amplitude of the delivered electrical stimuli are adjusted to maximally suppress the frequency and severity of seizures.

Type: Therapeutic technology

Medical condition this application addresses

Epileptic seizures are characterised by abnormal brain activity, causing sudden and unpredictable changes in behaviour and awareness. The brain area affected, and duration of the seizure determine the seizure manifestations. There are many different underlying causes, including congenital brain abnormalities, acquired lesions and genetic changes.

Consultation survey and deadlines

  • PASC consultation: Closed
  • MSAC consultation: Closed Friday 10 February 2023

Meetings to consider this application

  • PASC meeting: 13–14 April 2022
  • ESC meeting: 9–10 February 2023
  • MSAC meeting: 30–31 March 2023