Continuous Monitoring and Detection of Epileptic Seizures Using Wearable Device

TLDR: A wireless electronic monitoring system that can accurately predict the onset of seizures a few minutes in advance is proposed, which will improve the patient’s quality of life and give them dignity.

Abstract: Epilepsy is a serious, potentially fatal neurological disorder which often requires the immediate attention of a caregiver. Common symptoms of epileptic seizures include sudden fluctuations in heart rate and involuntary muscular contractions (seizures). They can also be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, etc. The sudden onset of a seizure during driving may lead to accidents and its occurrence during sleeping hours could prove fatal if no immediate, proper attention is provided by a caregiver or a doctor. Since the onset of seizures is sudden and its consequences can be severe, it is risky to leave the patient alone. We propose a wireless electronic monitoring system that can accurately predict the onset of seizures a few minutes in advance. We will measure two critical health indicators—brain and cardiac bio-potential signal in the form of EEG and ECG using body sensor networks. The system will utilize a wearable device that detects the symptoms and transmits a coded signal to produce control signals for switching on an alarm device, alerting a doctor or caregiver’s mobile phone using wireless communication with help of GSM modem. A GPS module is used to trace out the exact location of the patient. We will use machine learning to classify whether the sensors indicate an onset of a seizure or not. With this system, we hope to improve the patient’s quality of life and give them dignity.