Medical Technology: A Systematic Review on Medical Devices Utilized for Epilepsy Prediction and Management

Abstract

: Epilepsy is a devastating neurological disorder that affects nearly 70 million people worldwide. Epilepsy causes uncontrollable, unprovoked and unpredictable seizures that reduces the quality of life of those afflicted, with 1-9 epileptic patient deaths per 1000 patient occurring annually due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Predicting the onset of seizures and managing them may help patients from harming themselves and may improve their well-being. For a long time, electroencephalography (EEG) devices have been the mainstay for seizure detection and monitoring. This systematic review aimed to elucidate and critically evaluate the latest advancements of medical devices, besides EEG, that have been proposed for the management and prediction of epileptic seizures. A literature search was performed on three databases; PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE. Following title/abstract screening by two independent reviewers, 27 articles were selected for critical analysis in this review. These articles revealed ambulatory, non-invasive and wearable medical devices such as the in-ear EEG devices, the accelerometer-based devices and the subcutaneous implanted EEG devices might be more acceptable than traditional EEG systems. In addition, extracerebral signal-based devices may be more efficient than EEG-based systems, especially when combined with an intervention trigger. Although further studies may still be required to improve and validate these proposed systems before commercialization, these findings may give hope to epileptic patients, particularly those with refractory epilepsy, to predict and manage their seizures. The use of medical devices for epilepsy may improve patients' independence and quality of life and possibly prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Discovering Themes in Deep Brain Stimulation Research Using Explainable Artificial Intelligence

“…For example, the development of a closed-loop deep brain stimulation system that automatically adjusts stimulation parameters for each individual patient [ 54 ]. Or a warning system that predicts adverse effects and complications caused by stimulation [ 55 ]. Together, these theoretical and translational applications will enhance the efficacy and reliability of deep brain stimulation.…”

Advancements in Wearable Digital Health Technology: A Review of Epilepsy Management

“…Wearable devices are critical in monitoring and managing epilepsy by facilitating continuous physiological signal monitoring for seizure detection and assessing treatment response. These devices, such as wrist-worn sensors, can measure various signals, including accelerometry, electrodermal activity, photoplethysmography, and EEG, yielding high-quality data for routine use [10,11]. Wrist-worn devices have gained popularity among patients due to their convenience and effectiveness in monitoring seizure activity [11].…”

“…These devices, such as wrist-worn sensors, can measure various signals, including accelerometry, electrodermal activity, photoplethysmography, and EEG, yielding high-quality data for routine use [10,11]. Wrist-worn devices have gained popularity among patients due to their convenience and effectiveness in monitoring seizure activity [11]. Advancements in wearable technology have introduced devices based on extracerebral signals, in-ear EEG devices, and ambulatory EEG systems, offering non-invasive monitoring options [11,12].…”

“…Wrist-worn devices have gained popularity among patients due to their convenience and effectiveness in monitoring seizure activity [11]. Advancements in wearable technology have introduced devices based on extracerebral signals, in-ear EEG devices, and ambulatory EEG systems, offering non-invasive monitoring options [11,12]. These innovations enable the development of improved prediction systems and alarm mechanisms to aid patients in predicting and managing seizures effectively [12].…”

“…Wearable devices serve multiple functions in monitoring and managing epilepsy, leveraging various physiological signals for comprehensive assessment and intervention. These devices employ sensors to capture physiological signals such as accelerometry, electrodermal activity, photoplethysmography, and EEG, yielding high-quality data suitable for routine monitoring [11]. Innovations in wearable technology extend to extracerebral signal monitoring, exemplified by devices like in-ear EEG devices and ambulatory EEG systems, which offer non-invasive monitoring alternatives [14].…”