WO2021255751A1

WO2021255751A1 - System and method for predicting epileptic seizures in real time

Info

Publication number: WO2021255751A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050562
Authority: WO
Inventors: Indrani Bhattacherjee
Original assignee: Indrani Bhattacherjee
Priority date: 2020-06-16
Filing date: 2021-06-10
Publication date: 2021-12-23

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) and method for predicting the epileptic seizures in real time. The system (100) includes a plurality of electrodes (102) configured to be connected to a patient's head to measure Electroencephalogram signal and a pulse sensor (104) configured to be connected to a patient's finger to measure heart rate, a signal processing unit (106) connected to the plurality of electrodes (102), a microcontroller unit (108) in connection with the signal processing unit (106) and the pulse sensor (104) that sends an electrical signal to a sound buzzer (114) and a communication unit (116) when the Electroencephalogram signal and heart rate crosses the predefined value, and a display unit (110) to display the patient's data via a numeric value and graphical representation.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING EPILEPTIC SEIZURES IN

REAL TIME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] The present invention generally relates to seizure prediction, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for predicting the epileptic seizures in real time using Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal and heart rate. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder that poses a high risk to a patient life. Many people suffer due to epilepsy worldwide, and specifically in India, it is the second most common neurological disorder. Many of the epileptic patients are resistant to medicines and many still have seizures even after brain surgery. Epileptic patients remain in constant anxiety, apprehensive of their next seizure attack. Seizures are divided mainly into generalized and partial seizures which are further sub-categorized based on visual symptoms, location awareness level of a patient. [003] The conventional systems and methods for predicting epileptic seizure detects seizure through intercranial Electroencephalography and scalp Electroencephalography (EEG), Electrocardiography (ECG), motion sensors, accelerometry, electrodermal activity and audio/video grabs. [004] In the conventional systems and methods, the clinical behavior of an epileptic seizure is preceded and then accompanied by Electroencephalography signal analysis. Heart rate variability (HRV) has also been used in conjunction with Electroencephalography alterations for detecting the onset of an epileptic seizure. However, such systems and methods require high installation and operational cost, and therefore they are out of reach of most of the health centers and patients. Also, such systems are not portable, thus, limits the usage of such systems at home or in rural location where the prevalence is more.

[005] Therefore, in light of the discussion above, there is need for a system and method that provides an accurate, affordable and portable seizure prediction system that overcomes the drawbacks of the existing prior arts. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[006] An aspect of the present invention provides a system and method that predicts the epileptic seizures in real time.

[007] Another aspect of the present invention provides a portable epileptic seizure prediction system.

[008] Another aspect of the present invention provides eight channels Electroencephalogram electrodes and a pulse sensor to predict the epileptic seizures. [009] Another aspect of the present invention provides a system that predicts pre- ictal seizure.

[010] Another aspect of the present provides an accurate and affordable system for seizure prediction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[011] In an embodiment, a system for predicting epileptic seizures in real time is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of electrodes configured to be electrically connected to a patient’s head to measure Electroencephalogram signal, and a pulse sensor configured to be electrically connected to a patient’s finger to measure heart rate. The system further includes a signal processing unit electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes to generate a processed data. The system further includes a microcontroller unit, having a predefined value of Electroencephalogram signal and heart rate. The microcontroller unit is electrically connected to the signal processing unit and the pulse sensor. The microcontroller unit is also connected to a sound buzzer and a communication unit. The microcontroller unit is configured to send an electrical signal to the sound buzzer and the communication unit when the Electroencephalogram signal and heart rate crosses the predefined value. The system further includes a display unit and real-time clock connected to the microcontroller unit.

[012] In another embodiment, a method for predicting epileptic seizures in real time is disclosed. The method for predicting epileptic seizures includes receiving an Electroencephalogram signal and heart rate from a patient’s body. The method further includes processing the Electroencephalogram signal received from the patient’s body via a signal processing unit. The method further includes comparing the Electroencephalogram and heart rate of the patient with a predefined value of the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate. The method further includes sending an electrical signal to a communication unit and a sound buzzer when the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate of the patient crosses the predefined value. [013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS [014] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[015] These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following figures, wherein:

[016] Figure 1 illustrates schematic diagram of a system for predicting epileptic seizures according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [017] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for predicting epileptic seizures according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[018] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described, and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[019] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of’, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.

[020] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[021] The following defines various abbreviations and terms used throughout the description.

EEG: Electroencephalograph is a test used to evaluate electrical activity of the brain. Electroencephalogram test is used to detect potential problem associated with the activity of the brain. Ictal: a state during a seizure recording.

Pre-ictal: a state immediately before the actual seizure.

Post-ictal: a state shortly after the seizure.

Inter-ictal: a period between seizures, or convulsions, normal stage.

HR: Heart rate- Heart rate is the speed of the heartbeat measured by the number of contractions (beats) of the heart per minute (bpm). The heart rate is measured in beats per minute.

GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications GPRS: General Packet Radio Service SMT: Surface Mount Technology SMS: Short Message Service

SIM: Subscriber Identity module LED: Light Emitting Diode [022] It is envisaged here, that pre-ictal seizure prediction is important for a patient as epileptic seizure may cause serious injury to the patient. Pre-ictal seizure prediction is of vital importance in epileptic seizure treatment and to support patients before it causes a serious injury to the patients. The present invention provides a system, where the Electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate of the patient body are received. The received Electroencephalogram signal is fed to a signal processing unit to generate a processed signal. The processed Electroencephalogram signal and heart rate of the patient body is compared with a predefined value, to alert the patient, health professional and caretaker when the Electroencephalogram and heart rate of the patient body crosses the predefined value.

[023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [024] Referring now to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of a system (100) for predicting epileptic seizures is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.The system (100) may include a plurality of electrodes (102) configured to be electrically connected to a patient’s head to measure Electroencephalogram signal. The plurality of electrodes (102) may include at least eight channels Electroencephalogram electrodes positioned on a wearable head cap. The Electroencephalogram monitoring electrodes may use foam backing and may have multi-purpose usage. The Electroencephalogram electrodes are high performance electrodes which may be quickly and easily administered on the patient. A conductive gel may maintain close skin contact for high quality and excellent traceability. The Electroencephalogram electrodes may require high adhesion for applications.

[025] It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that number of electrodes may not only be limited to eight channel Electroencephalogram electrodes. In some embodiments, there may be more than eight channel Electroencephalogram electrodes, depending on the particular application.

[026] The plurality of electrodes positioned on the wearable head cap may be positioned according to the International 10-20 method of electrode placement. In the International 10-20 method of electrode placement letters are used to identify the lobes and numbers are used to identify the hemisphere location. The letters Fp, T, P, and O may represents the Frontal Pole (Fp), Temporal (T), Parietal (P), and Occipital (O) lobes. The letter C may be used for identification purpose only. The even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) refers to the electrode positions on the right hemisphere. The odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7) refers to electrode positions on the left hemisphere. The letter z refers to an electrode placed in the mid line. The wearable head cap may be positioned with eight channels electrode placement Fpl, Fp2, T3, T4, C3, C4, 01, 02. The Electroencephalogram electrodes positioned to the wearable head cap may be of various size, as per the requirement. The wearable head cap may be made patient-specific that is suitable for infants and adults.

[027] The system further includes a pulse sensor (104) configured to be electrically connected to a patient’s finger to measure heart rate. The pulse sensor (104) may be used to measure the heart rate in beats per minute. The pulses sensor (104) may measure the electrical activity of the heart and helps in determining the anxiety levels or heartbeat of the patient. The pulse sensor (104) may indicate the slow (bradycardia) heart rate or high (tachycardia) heart rate of the patient body. The changes in autonomic functions like heart rate (HR) may often accompanied by epileptic seizures. Heart rate may be easily measured and is an important parameter for predicting epileptic seizures being controlled by the autonomous nervous system. The nervous system gets affected in a very complicated manner by epileptic seizures and changes in heart rate may occur at any time during the pre-ictal, ictal, post-ictal and inter-ictal stages of the seizure. A heart rate threshold detection algorithm may be applied to detect changes in the heart rate when the value of heart rate (beats per minute - bpm) crosses above 1 OObpm compared with the predefined value of heart rate stored in the flash memory of the microcontroller unit (108). The predefined value may be taken from the experimental data of seizure patients.

[028] The system further includes a signal processing unit (106) electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes (102) to generate a processed signal. The signal processing unit (106) may remove the noise and unwanted frequency elements from the received Electroencephalogram signal. The Electroencephalogram signal may be amplified via an instrumentation amplifier with a three-electrodes patient interface, the instrumentation amplifier may have a two-pole high-pass filter and a two-pole low-pass filter within a cut-off range of 0.3 Hz to 37 Hz with a passband of 400, the signals may be sampled by the integration of the Sigma-Delta Analog to digital conversion on the microcontroller unit (108).

[029] The system further includes a microcontroller unit (108) electrically connected to the signal processing unit (106) and the pulse sensor (104). The microcontroller unit (108) may be programmed with a software. The microcontroller unit (108) may have a predefined value of Electroencephalogram signal and heart rate stored in a flash memory or in an external memory of the system. The predefined value of Electroencephalogram signal and heart rate may be taken from the experimental data of the seizure patients. The microcontroller unit (108) may be configured to send an electrical signal to a sound buzzer (114) and a communication unit (116) when the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate of the patient body crosses the predefined value.

[030] The communication unit (116) configured to be connected to the system (100). The communication unit (116) may include a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) module, the Global System for Mobile Communications module may be ultra compact and reliable. The Subscriber Identity module (SIM) 900A may be a complete Dual-band Global System for Mobile Communications/ General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) solution in a Surface Mount Technology (SMT) module. Featuring an industry-standard interface, the Subscriber Identity module 900A delivers Global System for Mobile Communications/ General Packet Radio Service 900/1800MHz performance for voice, Short message service, Data, and Fax in a small form factor and with low power consumption. With a tiny configuration of 24mmx24mmx3mm, Subscriber Identity module 900A may fit in almost all the space requirements in user applications, especially for slim and compact demand of design as required in the present invention. The Global System for Mobile Communications module may have a status indicator and a network Light Emitting Diode (LED). The status indicator of the Global System for Mobile Communications module flashes continuously whenever the call arrives otherwise it is left ON. The network Light Emitting Diode of the Global System for Mobile Communications module blinks every second to indicate that the Global System for Mobile Communications module is not connected to the mobile network. Once the connection is established successfully, the Light Emitting Diode blinks continuously may be after every 3 seconds. The communication unit (116) may send a notification alert to a health professional and caretaker when the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate of the patient body crosses the predefined value.

[031] The sound buzzer (114) may alert the patient when the Electroencephalogram and the heart rate of the patient body crosses the predefined value. When the heart rate is more than 100 bpm and Electroencephalogram signal is more than predefined value of Electroencephalogram signal envelop, it indicates that epileptic seizure attack may happen very soon. An alarm is generated before the onset of the seizure and thus, the patient may take care of themselves by lying at a safe place before the seizure attack occurs. [032] The system further includes a display unit (110) connected to the microcontroller unit (108). The display unit (110) displays the Electroencephalogram signal via a graphical representation and heart rate via a numeric value and graphical representation. The display unit (110) may support sixteen wire Data Bus. The display unit (110) may have an external memory card socket and serial peripheral interface (SPI) Flash circuit with 3.3v-5v power, and level conversion circuit, it may be slotted in the microcontroller unit (108). The numeric and graphical representation of the patient data may help the health professionals to predict the epileptic seizures in real time. The data may also be used to evaluate the condition of the patient in real time and to provide the treatment accordingly. The display unit (110) may include a Liquid crystal display (LCD), Light emitting Diode display, for example.

[033] The system further includes a real time clock (112) connected to the microcontroller unit (108). The real time clock (112) is extremely accurate, the DS3231 is a low-cost 12C real-time clock (RTC), having an integrated temperature amended crystals and crystal oscillator (TCXO). It may constitute inputs from battery or electric storage device and provides highly accurate time even when power is disrupted or interrupted. The long-term accuracy is due to the crystal resonator. The real-time clock may automatically adjusts itself at the end of the month for lesser than 31 days including leap year, and operates on either the 12-hour format or on the 24 hours. The real-time clock may have an AM-PM indicator and the data may be serially transferred through a 12C two-directional bus on the microcontroller unit (108). The real time clock (112) of the system (100) provides the information in real time which is useful for critical care patients.

[034] The system may further include other components such as instrumentation amplifier, a power supply, and an external memory. The power supply may include a battery or other electrical power storage devices, for example. [035] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method (200) for predicting epileptic seizures in real time according to another embodiment of the invention. The method (200) may be used for predicting epileptic seizures in a patient at pre-ictal stage. The pre-ictal seizure prediction is of vital importance in epileptic seizure treatment and to support patient before it causes a serious injury to the patient. The method (200) may include a step of receiving (202) an Electroencephalogram signal from a patient’s body. The method (200) may further include a step of receiving (204) a heart rate from the patient’s body. The method (200) may further include a step of processing (206) the Electroencephalogram signal of the patient’s body. The method (200) may further include a step of comparing (208) the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate of the patient’s body with a predefined value of the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate. The method (200) may further include the steps of sending (210) an electrical signal to a communication unit and a sound buzzer when the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate of the patient body crosses the predefined value.

[036] The patient is alerted when the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate crosses the predefined value via the sound buzzer and the communication unit sends a notification alert to a health professional and caretaker when the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate crosses the predefined value.

[037] It will be readily understood that the components of various embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention. [038] The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, reference throughout this specification to “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiment,” “in other embodiments,” or similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[039] It should be noted that reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[040] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. [041] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the invention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims.

Claims

Claim:

1) A system (100) for predicting epileptic seizures in real time, the system (100) comprising: a plurality of electrodes (102) configured to be connected to a patient’s head to measure Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal; a pulse sensor (104) configured to be connected to a patient’s finger to measure heart rate; a signal processing unit (106) electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes (102) to generate a processed data; a microcontroller unit (108) having a predefined value, wherein the predefined value is a combination of the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate, is electrically connected to the signal processing unit (106) and the pulse sensor (104), the microcontroller unit (108) is configured to compare the processed data and the heart rate with the predefined value to predict epileptic seizure and send an electrical signal to a sound buzzer (114) and a communication unit (116) when the processed data and the heart rate crosses the predefined value; a real time clock (112) connected to the microcontroller unit (108); and a display unit (110) connected to the microcontroller unit (108).

2) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heart rate is measured in beats per minute.

3) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes (102) includes at least eight channel electrodes positioned on a wearable head cap.

4) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes (102) and the pulse sensor (104) are connected to the patient’s head and finger respectively in a non- invasive manner.

5) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is a portable system. 6) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) further comprising an external memory unit to store the patient’s Electroencephalogram signal data and heart rate data.

7) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is configured to alert the patient via the sound buzzer (114) when the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate of the patient’s body crosses the predefined value.

8) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication unit (116) sends a notification alert to a health professional and caretaker when the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate of the patient body crosses the predefined value.

9) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit (110) displays the Electroencephalogram signal via a graphical representation.

10) The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit (110) displays the heart rate via a numeric value and graphical representation.

11) A method (200) of predicting epileptic seizures in real time, by a system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , the method (200) comprising: receiving (202), by the system (100) adapted to receive, an Electroencephalogram signal from a patient’s body; receiving (204), by the system (100) adapted to receive, a heart rate from the patient’s body; processing (206), by the system (100) adapted to process, the Electroencephalogram signal of the patient’s body to generate a processed signal; comparing (208), by the system (100) adapted to compare, the processed signal and the heart rate of the patient’s body with a predefined value to predict epileptic seizure, wherein the predefined value is a combination of the Electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate; and sending (210) by the system (100) adapted to send, an electrical signal to a communication unit and a sound buzzer when the processed signal and the heart rate of the patient’s body crosses the predefined value.