Skip to main content

Written question asked by Anna Dixon (Labour) on Friday, 4 October 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 October 2024. It was answered by Andrew Gwynne (Labour) on Monday, 14 October 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Hydrocephalus: Diagnosis

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of instructing NICE to review it's infant head circumference measurement guidelines, in the context of improving the diagnosis and treatment of (a) hydrocephalus and (b) other long term related complications.

Answer

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) develops its guidance independently and keeps its published guidelines under active surveillance so that it is able to update its recommendations in light of any significant new evidence. Decisions on updates to existing guidance are made by NICE’s Prioritisation Board in line with NICE’s published common prioritisation framework.

NICE’s guideline on “suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral” includes recommendations on head circumference measurement. We understand that NICE is currently reviewing its recommendations to consider if any update to its recommendation is warranted.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7222
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Babies Diagnosis Medical treatments Measurement National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Hydrocephalus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk