Prediction of Epilepsy Using Electronic Diagnosing System

Author

Vineet Kumar Singh

Abstract

Epilepsy is a fatal condition which is caused as a result of imbalance in the nervous system. The very common symptoms of epilepsy includes sudden fluctuations in heartbeat rate and involuntary muscular movements. The aura (practical symptom) of epilepsy includes fluctuations in heartbeat, nausea, dizziness etc.

The wireless electronic diagnosing system designed here is exclusively meant for epilepsy patients. The system helps them in accurately predicting the occurrence of seizures. Sudden occurrence of seizures during driving may lead to accidents and its occurrence during sleeping hours can even lead to the patient’s death, if no immediate, proper attention is provided by a by stander or a doctor. With the aid of this system, the patient can lead a normal life. Since the occurrence of seizures is unpredictable, it will be a very risky task to leave the patient alone.

The electronic system presented here is a wearable device which predicts the occurrence of epilepsy in a few minutes advance. The device utilizes the signals from human body to detect the occurrence of epilepsy. As soon as the device detects the symptoms, it transmits a coded signal. The signal is decoded by a wireless receiver to produce control signals for switching an alarm device, mobile messaging device and an automatic vehicle control system appropriately. In future, GPS could be incorporated to trace out the exact location of the patient.

Current technologies for acquiring signals from the patient’s body are very much developed. Many sensors are available which can detect the heart beat and muscular movements non- invasively and accurately.

Such non invasive technique for measuring heart beat is pulse oximetry. Using this technique, heart beat can be accurately monitored. Muscular convulsions are collected using micro electromechanical sensors (MEMS) firmly attached to the body. The sensors used are small in size and can be firmly attached to the body. The accelerations resulting from epileptic convulsions are sensed using MEMS accelerometer which is very accurate, precise and small in size.

Heart beats are to be monitored continuously. Any sudden variation in heart beat epileptic seizures is detected and confirmed with the MEMS signal. When the seizure is confirmed, message is transmitted to the surroundings for initiating necessary protective measures for the patient.

The device is designed as a wireless, wearable and personal equipment. The device can sense the aura of pre octal stage in a few minutes advance and takes the necessary safety measures automatically. Hence a technician’s assistance is not required for the patient. Therefore this device will be extremely useful for patients (especially youngsters) who wish to be active in their life. The user gets absolute freedom from wires and can be used when moving.