TRIO
Human Automated Seizure Detection, using ECG
Overview
It has been noted for many years that any seizure activity in the brain is matched with synchronic perturbations in the heart ECG recordings. We are using this phenomenon to develop a discrete wearable seizure detection/logging/alerting system that epilepsy sufferers can wear 24/7 without the perceived public stigma of distinctive headwear.
Our prototype TRIO software system analyses a real-time single-channel chest ECG recording and – in real time – detects and logs seizures and their parameters. In its clinical format, it will:
- Alert carers and bystanders
- Be a wearable smartphone-based system with wireless connection to the chest-mounted ECG sensor.
When using EEG signals to detect seizures, multiple scalp electrodes are usually needed around the skull as many seizures are localised and cannot be accurately detected by a sensor on the far side of the skull. However, with the ECG we can benefit from the brain stems capability to integrate epileptogenic activity from anywhere in the brain into the signal it passes down the vagal nerve to the heart. Using Kaoskey’s breakthrough software this ECG response to epileptogenic activity in the brain can now be detected with by single ECG electrode.
TRIO clinical validation trials are currently underway at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne with Professor Terence O’Brien and his team.
The clinical objective of TRIO is to provide a seizure monitoring/ logging/ alerting system for epilepsy sufferers to wear which will dispense with the need for any distinctive headgear to house scalp EEG electrodes.