Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic is using wearable and implantable devices to help forecast seizures in patients with epilepsy.
In one study, published in July in Epilepsia, researchers tested a small implant placed behind the ear that records brain activity throughout the day. Over 15 months, the team collected more than 72,000 hours of brainwave data and recorded 754 seizures — nearly double the number documented in patient diaries. About half of the study participants wore the device for more than 20 hours a day.
In a separate study, Mayo researchers used a smartwatch equipped with artificial intelligence to detect signals that may precede seizures. The watch tracked movement, heart rate, temperature and skin conductance. Findings published in May in Epilepsia showed the device correctly predicted about 75% of seizures with few false alarms.
Mayo Clinic’s research aims to use long-term monitoring and AI to better understand and eventually prevent seizure events, according to a Dec. 4 news release from the health system.
