Prediction and Management of Epileptic Seizures

E4 is a seizure prediction and detection device intended to be used by People With Epilepsy (PWE), more specifically those with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE). By predicting and detecting Epileptic Seizures up to about 15 minutes prior, E4 would provide timely warning and allow individuals enough time to get into a safe place or position to wait out their seizures and allow them the possibility of alerting a designated caregiver. As a seizure starts E4 records its duration and intensity and automatically contacts the Emergency Medical Services if the seizure does not stop within 5 minutes as a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes is categorized as a medical emergency commonly referred to as Status Epilepticus.

The main objective of this research was to identify and isolate the biomarker that would reflect a change in the human body with the potential of predicting a seizure. The Biomarker was identified as being the Heart-Rate Variability (HRV) which is the variation in the time intervals between heartbeats. Following the identification of the Biomarker, a means of monitoring and implementing the monitor into a device that could be worn by an individual with Epilepsy had to be found. A 5-leads ambulatory Electrocardiogram (ECG) was the monitoring device selected for the task due to its ability to monitor the HRV which, with the help of a patient-specific algorithm, can allow for predictions of up to about 15 minutes prior to an episode. For ease of use and ensuring constant correct placement of the ECG electrodes a vest was designed for the electronic components to be mounted upon.