Usage of bio-signals to detect epileptic seizures
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Remote assessment of Disease and Relapse in Central Nervous System Disorders (RADAR-CNS)EPILEPSY Study 1: usage of bio-signals obtained from non-EEG sensors to detect epileptic seizures, an observational study
IRAS ID
216316
Contact name
Mark Richardson
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting about 0.6% of the population worldwide and 750,000 people in the United Kingdom (Sander et al. 2003). About 1 in 3 of all people with epilepsy do not respond to any medication and continue to have uncontrolled seizures with consequent serious implications including a high risk of mortality (Forsgren et al. 2005). Early detection and treatment of seizures could potentially decrease the risk associated with epilepsy including mortality.
Bio-signals obtained from non-EEG sensors may assume an important role in seizure detection. Increasing evidence has been produced by investigations analysing electrocardiogram, heart rate, movements, changes in skin temperature and sweating. Unobtrusive wearable sensors measuring these bio-signals are becoming increasingly available to the public. Data may be transmitted to the care team enabling a rapid recognition on a real-time basis raising the possibility of timely interventions that prevent further deterioration. However epilepsy is characterized by different type of seizures and an optimal combination of sensors might be required consider the patient-specific seizure type.
We will monitor 48 consenting adult patients with epilepsy routinely referred to the Neurophysiology Departments at King’s College Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals for prolonged EEG recordings (telemetry, home-video telemetry (HVT)and polysomnography(PSG))using wearable bio-sensors. The sensors are designed for continuous acquisition of body temperature, cardiovascular parameters, movements, muscle activity and sweating. The focus of this study is to assess the performance of sensors in seizures detection (as compared with EEG), to establish the optimal combination according to seizure types and to evaluate the acceptability of their use.
This project is integral part of RADAR-CNS which receives funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 115902. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/2209
Date of REC Opinion
20 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion