Health technology assessment of a national deep brain stimulation service in Ireland

DBS is a surgical procedure for the relief of motor function symptoms in patients with movement disorders – including Parkinson‟s disease, essential tremor and dystonia – that are no longer adequately controlled by drug therapy. At present, patients deemed suitable for DBS are routinely referred to UK DBS centres for treatment. Funding is provided through the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) member state under EU Regulation 1408/71 and in accordance with the procedures set out in EU Regulation 574/72. The need for a national DBS service has been questioned based on the increasing volume and cost of referrals through the TAS.