This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Headache-busting device receive funding
A medical device that can zap away excruciating headaches is to receive NHS England funding from a scheme that helps to spread the use of world-leading technology across the health service.
The NHS Long Term Plan puts cutting-edge treatments at the heart of people’s care, committing to introducing proven and affordable innovations as quickly as possible. As part of this, the NHS will fund a handheld gadget that uses low-levels of electric current to disrupt pain signals and relieve the suffering of those who are having ‘cluster’ headaches, excruciating attacks of pain.
Cluster headaches are rare, generally last between 15 minutes and three hours, and typically occur between one and eight times a day. Approximately 66,000 people in the UK experience a cluster headache and the device holds out hope for the one in 20 who do not respond to traditional treatments such as prescription of triptans (painkillers), oxygen or anticonvulsants.
Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: “The NHS has long been at the forefront of driving innovation, and as we deliver our ambitious Long Term Plan, the NHS will continue to be a world leader in adopting and spreading life-changing innovations. Innovative technologies like this could not only alleviate painful symptoms but could empower patients to claim back their ordinary daily lives.”
Sam Roberts, director of innovation and life sciences for NHS England, said: “This programme has been amazingly successful at getting new innovations to patients, with over 300,000 patients benefitting from previous innovations. This year we have selected some great proven innovations for support. We will build on this success with our commitments set out in the Long Term Plan, to support innovators and the NHS to remove barriers to uptake so patients can benefit faster.”
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