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Epileptic Seizure: prediction and prevention. Dan Coughlin Kevin McCabe Bob McCarthy Steve Moffett. Distribution of Work. Prediction Kevin and Steve Prevention Bob Market and Product Analysis Dan. Background. Epilepsy.
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Epileptic Seizure: prediction and prevention Dan CoughlinKevin McCabeBob McCarthySteve Moffett
Distribution of Work • Prediction • Kevin and Steve • Prevention • Bob • Market and Product Analysis • Dan
Epilepsy • Epilepsy is a brain disease involving abnormal neuron activity in the brain • Abnormal activity triggers seizures • Includes many diseases that affect the brain in this way, not just one • Person is classified as epileptic after just 2 epileptic seizures
Electroencephalogram (EEG) • Method of recording electrical activity of the brain. • Electrical Activity produced by firing neurons in the brain. • First EEG in 1912 • Recorded by Vladimir VladimirovichPravdich-Neminsky on a dog • Main clinical application: Detecting seizures and epilepsy • Also has applications in entertainment
Ictal vs. Inter-Ictal • Ictal - the actual event; originates from the Latin ictus, meaning a blow or a stroke • Inter-Ictal- the time between epileptic events • Which is best?
Current Prediction Methods • Using raw EEG data, the following algorithms are generally utilized: • Fuzzy Logic • Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) • Functional Neural Networks (FNNs) • Probability Neural Networks (PNNs) • Support Vector Machines (SVM)
PREVENTION • Common methods to prevent epilepsy seizures • Preventing a seizure with the use of Biosensors
PREVENTION • There are a few common methods believed to help prevent epilepsy seizures • Use of medications • Medications does not affect all epilepsy patients • They do not stop all attacks from occurring • Epilepsy seizures cannot be 100% prevented by medication • Identify an oncoming seizure attack by watching for behaviors, environments, or physical and emotional signs that lead to attacks • If an individual is known to have a smelling sensation that occurs right before a seizure, it may be prevented by sniffing a strong odor such as garlic or roses • Rubbing muscles that are twitching during an attack may also halt the seizure
PREVENTION • VNS – Vagus Nerve Stimulation (passes thru neck to brain) • Designed to prevent seizures by sending regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve • Pulses supplied by a device similar to a pacemaker • Works for 30 seconds of stimulation followed by 5 minutes of no stimulation • Holding magnetic near devices activates it outside of its programmed interval • Stimulation Parameters • Stimulation amplitude, frequency, pulse width • Relieves side effects (pain) and controls seizure
PREVENTION • Molecular Imaging Biosensor • Identifies excess amounts of neurotransmitter glutamate build up in brain tissue • Excess levels thought to be produced by dysfunctional “glutamate-glutamine shuttle” • Biological sensors being developed to detect glutamate levels from shuttle process • Using FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) imaging and electrical signals to detect evidence of alterations • If technology is feasible and shows that epileptic seizures occur from this imbalance, this will be a potential new therapeutic way to control epilepsy
Types of Products • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) • Seizure Detection while sleeping • Electrodermal Activity Sensor • Audio sensors
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) • “Pacemaker for the Brain” • Mixed reviews from patients receiving the product • More risk with an in body procedure • Has removed seizures for some, but stopped hearts in others!!
Available Prevention/Detection Products • Detects shaking movements typical of seizures while sleeping • Placed on bed underneath sleeper, triggers alarm http://www.tunstall.co.uk/assets/Literature/477-Epilepsy_product_datasheet.pdf
Available Prevention/Detection Products • Bed Sensor with Microphone to detect audible sounds sometimes associated with seizures http://www.medpage-ltd.com/MEDPAGE%20MANUAL%20MP2%20REV-01-01.04-09.pdf
Available Prevention/Detection Products Electrodermal Activity Sensor measures skin conductance Electrodes sense change when seizure occurs http://affect.media.mit.edu/pdfs/10.Poh-etal-EMBC2010.pdf