Development of Low Cost “Epi -seizure” Device for the Prediction and Detection of Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Epilepsy is ranked internationally as the fourth most common neurological disorder that affects around 80% of low to middle-income countries' population. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are the most severe form of epileptic seizures. They are by far the most dreaded seizure kind amongst patients, family, and spectators, and are generally connected with total unconsciousness or reduced awareness. Early detection of the disease is critical in order to prevent seizure symptoms from occurring. Although various antiepileptic medications are available, effective monitoring of the disorder is often unattainable. This is because the existing devices are of high cost, unportable, and most of them are used only for detection purposes. To overcome these limitations, this project aims to design a real-time, algorithm based on biosignals analysis using electrodermal activity and respiratory rate sensors. It is an integration of a low-cost, non-invasive, portable device that could be worn either under patient's clothes, or on the wrist around the clock. The proposed device is not limited to monitoring seizure symptoms but also predicts seizure occurrences to help caregivers during the monitoring process. After testing the sensors on collected data with 25 subjects, it was proved that the algorithm used to predict and detect seizure occurrence is entirely reliant on phasic readings. The data will then be sent using telemedicine technology through a developed application. The Epi-seizure device has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy by enabling proactive management of seizures and reducing associated risks. Future work will focus on larger-scale testing and refining the algorithm for even greater accuracy.