7.01.143 Responsive Neurostimulation for the Treatment of Refractory Partial Epilepsy

[TOP] Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) may be considered medically necessary for patients with partial epilepsy who meet ALL of the following criteria:  Are 18 years or older.  Have a diagnosis of partial-onset seizures with 1 or 2 well-localized seizure foci identified.  Have an average of 3 or more disabling seizures (e.g., motor partial seizures, complex partial seizures, or secondary generalized seizures) per month over the prior 3 months;  Are refractory to medical therapy (have failed 2 or more appropriate antiepileptic medications at therapeutic doses).  Are not candidates for focal resective epilepsy surgery (e.g., have an epileptic focus near eloquent cerebral cortex; have bilateral temporal epilepsy).  Do not have contraindications for RNS placement (see Policy Guidelines).