Costs of thalamic deep brain stimulation for movement disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Several studies have shown that thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) reduces tremor and improves hand performance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this paper is to describe the cost implications of DBS in MS patients and to highlight postoperative medical requirements that can be associated with this therapy. In a prospective study of thalamic DBS in MS patients the mean equipment costs were £4769 (median £7010, Medtronic, 1998 prices); mean neurosurgical inpatient costs per operated patient (n = 15) were £4848 (range £1982–8920, median £5110); and mean in-patient postoperative rehabilitation cost £4602 (range £0–32, 225, median £1783). In addition there were transport and follow up costs. Mean neurosurgical inpatient stay following stereotactic DBS implantation was 15 days (median 12 days); and mean inpatient, postoperative rehabilitation stay 54 days (median 25 days). Although there were significant improvements in hand function and tremor reduction at 12 months postoperation, the level of patient performance in activities of daily living, their perception of their handicap and ipse facto the amount of home support required were unchanged from preoperative levels. This study has highlighted significant unforeseen medical requirements and costs that can occur in MS patients who have thalamic DBS surgery.