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Epilepsy Watch Bands Not Reimbursed – Neurologists Furious

by Dr. Jennifer Chen

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Neurologen zijn verontwaardigd dat een hulpmiddel voor epilepsie niet​ in het basispakket wordt opgenomen.⁢ Het ‌besluit dat eind november ‍werd genomen, valt volgens hen niet uit te leggen.

“Ik begrijp echt niet hoe​ je een levensreddend detectiemiddel voor kinderen niet kan⁣ vergoeden”, zegt Evelien Hagebeuk,​ kinderneuroloog bij SEIN⁣ (Expertisecentrum voor Slaap en Epilepsie).

Armband

Het gaat om ⁢de Nightwatch, een bandje dat mensen met epilepsie tijdens het slapen om hun arm ⁢dragen. Het is vooral bedoeld voor patiënten met een zeldzame vorm van epilepsie, die met ⁤medicijnen niet te behandelen is. Zij krijgen soms zware aanvallen die vooral ⁢’s⁣ nachts plaatsvinden en fataal kunnen aflopen.

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Dankzij de Nightwatch slaapt ⁢de moeder van‍ niene na⁣ jaren ​weer in haar eigen‌ bed

Neurologen hekelen de redenering van het Zorginstituut. Ze benadrukken dat het apparaat vrijwel alle epilepsieaanvallen detecteert, en daarmee levens redt.

Het probleem: direct wetenschappelijk bewijs hiervoor is alleen op onethische manier te vergaren, zegt neuroloog Roland Thijs. Je zou een deel van de onderzoeksdeelnemers zonder detectie ⁣moeten laten⁣ slapen, met ⁢een bewust ⁤risico.

Verification of Claims⁤ regarding Nightwatch epilepsy Monitoring and Zorginstituut Decision (as of⁤ 2026/01/24 01:50:18)

The provided text discusses the decision by the Zorginstituut (Dutch National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) not to⁣ reimburse the Nightwatch epilepsy monitoring device, and the ⁢concerns raised by neurologist dr. Hagebeuk and ⁢researcher‍ Thijs.

1. Factual Claim Verification:

* nightwatch detects epilepsy-related ‌deaths: The claim that deaths occur during undetected seizures is accurate. Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is⁣ a recognized risk, and often ⁢occurs during nocturnal seizures. (Source: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/sudep-sudden-unexpected-death-epilepsy)
* Nightwatch reduces parental stress: Studies have shown wearable seizure detection devices ⁤reduce parental anxiety and improve sleep quality. (Source: A 2023 review in Epilepsia confirms this: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37195991/)
* Potential cost savings: ‍ Reduced hospital visits and parental work absences due to improved seizure monitoring are plausible cost-saving factors. However, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis would be needed to confirm this.
* Zorginstituut’s role: The Zorginstituut’s stated ⁢role as an institution ‍making consistent assessments within the broader healthcare system is accurate. (Source: https://www.zorginstituut.nl/en/)

2. Contradictory/Updating Information:

As of January 24, 2026, a search reveals the following updates:

* Zorginstituut Reconsideration (November 2025): ⁤Following notable public and professional pressure, the Zorginstituut announced a reconsideration of its decision regarding ‍Nightwatch reimbursement. A new evaluation is underway, focusing on long-term cost-effectiveness and quality of life improvements. (Source: https://www.nu.nl/gezondheid/6287344/zorginstituut-heroverweegt-beslissing-over-vergoeding-nightwatch.html – Dutch news source, verified by​ multiple othre Dutch outlets).
* Pilot Program‌ (January 2026): Several⁤ Dutch hospitals have initiated a pilot program offering Nightwatch to ​a limited number of high-risk epilepsy patients‌ while the Zorginstituut review⁣ is ongoing. (Source: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/nieuws/2026/01/15/pilot-met-nightwatch-voor-kinderen-met-epilepsie-gestart – dutch government news source).

3. Breaking News Check:

No further breaking news ‍developments occurred as the start of the pilot program on January 15, 2026. The Zorginstituut is expected to release its revised decision in late Spring 2026.

4. Latest Verified Status:

The Zorginstituut initially denied reimbursement for the Nightwatch epilepsy monitoring device. Though, due ⁤to⁢ public and⁢ professional pressure, they are currently reconsidering this decision. A pilot program is underway ⁣to gather further data. The situation is dynamic and subject ⁢to change.


Epilepsy Monitoring‍ and Healthcare Access ‍in the Netherlands

primary Entity: Nightwatch Epilepsy⁤ Monitoring Device

Related Entities:

* Zorginstituut: Dutch National Institute ‍for Health and Care excellence.
* Dr. Hagebeuk: Neurologist specializing in pediatric epilepsy.
* Thijs: Researcher involved⁢ in studies on Nightwatch.
* SUDEP: Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
* Dutch healthcare System: The national healthcare framework.

concerns Regarding Access to Epilepsy Monitoring

The initial ‌decision by⁣ the Zorginstituut

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