Seizure detection using EEG and ECG signals for computer-based monitoring, analysis and management of epileptic patients

This is the accepted manuscript version of the following article: Iosif Mporas, “Seizure detection using EEG and ECG signals for computer-based monitoring, analysis and management of epileptic patients”, Expert Systems with Applications, Vol. 42(6), December 2014. The final published version is available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0957417414007763?via%3Dihub © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.In this paper a seizure detector using EEG and ECG signals, as a module of a healthcare system, is presented. Specifically, the module is based on short-time analysis with time-domain and frequency-domain features and classification using support vector machines. The seizure detection module was evaluated on three subjects with diagnosed idiopathic generalized epilepsy manifested with absences. The achieved seizure detection accuracy was approximately 90% for all evaluated subjects. Feature ranking investigation and evaluation of the seizure detection module using subsets of features showed that the feature vector composed of approximately the 65%-best ranked parameters provides a good trade-off between computational demands and accuracy. This configurable architecture allows the seizure detection module to operate as part of a healthcare system in offline mode as well as in online mode, where real-time performance is needed.Peer reviewe

How to diagnose and classify idiopathic (genetic) generalized epilepsies

Idiopathic or genetic generalized epilepsies (IGE) constitute an electroclinically well-defined group that accounts for almost one third of all people with epilepsy. They consist of four well-established syndromes and some other rarer phenotypes. The main four IGEs are juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy and IGE with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone. There are three main seizure types in IGE, namely generalized tonic-clonic seizures, typical absences and myoclonic seizures, occurring either alone or in any combination. Diagnosing IGEs requires a multidimensional approach. The diagnostic process begins with a thorough medical history with a specific focus on seizure types, age at onset, timing and triggers. Comorbidities and family history should be questioned comprehensively. The EEG can provide valuable information for the diagnosis, including specific IGE syndromes, and therefore contribute to their optimal pharmacological treatment and management

How to diagnose and classify idiopathic (genetic) generalized epilepsies

Idiopathic or genetic generalized epilepsies (IGE) constitute an electroclinically well-defined group that accounts for almost one third of all people with epilepsy. They consist of four well-established syndromes and some other rarer phenotypes. The main four IGEs are juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy and IGE with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone. There are three main seizure types in IGE, namely generalized tonic-clonic seizures, typical absences and myoclonic seizures, occurring either alone or in any combination. Diagnosing IGEs requires a multidimensional approach. The diagnostic process begins with a thorough medical history with a specific focus on seizure types, age at onset, timing and triggers. Comorbidities and family history should be questioned comprehensively. The EEG can provide valuable information for the diagnosis, including specific IGE syndromes, and therefore contribute to their optimal pharmacological treatment and management