Seizure Predicting Device

NeuroVista from Seattle is currently working on a new device that can predict the onset of an epileptic seizure by using EEG brainwave monitoring. The system will be implantable, but if successful, it will provide a viable means for epileptics to take the necessary measures in reducing the severity of an attack as well as exercise precaution to prevent accidental trauma.

NeuroVista gathered hundreds of high-resolution EEG readouts from patients who had severe enough epilepsy that they were hospitalized for more than a week and continuously monitored. NeuroVista’s computers mined the massive reams of data to detect statistical abnormalities that can’t be spotted by a neurologist’s eye, and built them into its algorithms. Then comes the engineering challenge. Getting the electrode to be sensitive and durable enough for long-term use, making a telemetry device small enough to be implantable yet with enough battery power to transmit a lot of data, and then having an easy-to-wear receiver that can warn patients of the coming storm.

I wonder when will such a device be successfully manufactured, but hopefully it’ll be sooner rather than later.