Detecting Seizures

A new wearable headset could allow epilepsy patients to detect seizures and doctors to better adapt their treatment plans.

When a patient suffers a seizure, they experience involuntary muscle spasms and changes in brain activity and heart rate. A new headset designed by VP Nguyen, assistant professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department, contains multiple sensors that detect these functions and transmit information wirelessly to the cloud, allowing physicians to access the data at any time. The information collected can help doctors determine when seizures are happening and what type a patient is experiencing, which could help them create a better treatment plan.

"The headset is less expensive, less restrictive, and allows patients to live a more normal life," says Dr. Nguyen. "It could also offer greater security for patients who live alone because it could send a message to a family member, friend, or health care provider that a seizure is occurring so help can be dispatched."