Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Objectives. To perform a preliminary cost-utility and cost-benefit of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of dystonia, Materials and Methods. We conducted a prospective study of 26 patients undergoing DBS for the treatment of dystonia. We performed a cost-utility analysis using the Euroquol (EQ-5D) questionnaire. ⋯ There was an overall gain of 0.94 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) with a cost of £33,980 per QALY. Conclusions. DBS for dystonia, while an expensive treatment, compares favorably to therapies that are commonly used for other conditions.
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Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a 7-day percutaneous spinal cord stimulator trial using a 7-day diary to measure outcomes during the trial and at long-term follow-up. Materials and Method. Diaries completed prior to and during the trial were analyzed, as was a follow-up questionnaire. Trial and follow-up data were compared using nonparametric statistics and descriptive analyses. ⋯ Conclusion. Patients who underwent a 7-day percutaneous trial, had a positive trial and received permanent implantation fared well long-term. The 7-day diary did not result in a superior method of determining responders vs. nonresponders at long-term follow-up. More research is needed to determine whether different quantitative measures would predict long-term outcome.