Seizure detection based on wearable devices: A review of device, mechanism, and algorithm

Acta Neurol Scand. 2022 Dec;146(6):723-731. doi: 10.1111/ane.13716. Epub 2022 Oct 18.

Abstract

With sudden and unpredictable nature, seizures lead to great risk of the secondary damage, status epilepticus, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Thus, it is essential to use a wearable device to detect seizure and inform patients' caregivers for assistant to prevent or relieve adverse consequence. In this review, we gave an account of the current state of the field of seizure detection based on wearable devices from three parts: devices, physiological activities, and algorithms. Firstly, seizure monitoring devices available in the market primarily involve wristband-type devices, patch-type devices, and armband-type devices, which are able to detect motor seizures, focal autonomic seizures, or absence seizures. Secondly, seizure-related physiological activities involve the discharge of brain neurons presented, autonomous nervous activities, and motor. Plenty of studies focus on features from one signal, while it is a lack of evidences about the change of signal coupling along with seizures. Thirdly, the seizure detection algorithms developed from simple threshold method to complicated machine learning and deep learning, aiming at distinguish seizures from normal events. After understanding of some preliminary studies, we will propose our own thought for future development in this field.

Keywords: epilepsy; multimodal signals; physiological mechanism; seizure detection algorithm; signal coupling; wearable device.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Death, Sudden
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Epilepsy, Absence*
  • Humans
  • Seizures / diagnosis
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*