NHS gives the go-ahead to device blocking debilitating headaches
THOUSANDS OF people who suffer from debilitating “cluster” headaches are set to benefit from the rollout of a portable gadget which has been proven to help zap away pain.
Health chiefs have today revealed that the gammaCore, a device delivering a low-level electric current to the neck area to block pain signals, is now available on the NHS.
Cluster headaches, which begin quickly and without warning, are a relatively rare condition more commonly found in men – tending to start when the patient reaches their 30s or 40s.
They are often described as a sharp burning or piercing sensation on one side of the head, with attacks lasting between 15 minutes and three hours.
Some people can experience up to eight cluster headaches in a day.
The NHS’s medical director, Stephen Powis, said: “While they may be small, these devices will make a huge difference to people who suffer from these debilitating headaches – relieving painful symptoms and allowing people to go about their daily lives as normal.”
He added: “This is the latest example of the NHS testing the latest tech and rolling it out at speed for patients across the country.”
The gammaCore can be used both to treat cluster headaches and prevent them when a patient feels one coming on.
Between one and two people in every 1,000 are affected by the condition, and as many as one in 20 do not respond to traditional treatments such as painkillers or oxygen, according to officials at NHS England.
The health officials have estimated that as many as 11,000 people will benefit from the device following two years of clinical trials.
Funding for the technology comes from the Medtech Funding Mandate policy – launched in January of this year – to finance medical devices for NHS patients.
Matthew Whitty, the director of innovation and life sciences for NHS England, claimed that an increasing reliance on technology is helping to transform the lives of patients.
He said: “The Gammacore device will provide life-changing benefits for thousands of people and it is just one of a number of technologies that are being mandated by the NHS.”
The gammaCore is one of a number of technologies being rolled out under the NHS Long Term Plan, which sets out the priorities and strategies for the health service over the next 10 years.
Minister for Innovation Lord Bethell said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see innovative technology transform the way we treat illness on the NHS. This new gammaCore device will bring relief to many who suffer from cluster headaches and is one of several innovative treatments available to patients on the NHS.”
This new gammaCore device will bring relief to many. Minister for Innovation Lord Bethell.