WO2024068962A1

WO2024068962A1 - Seizure detection system

Info

Publication number: WO2024068962A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/077116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Krzysztof Szczurowski; Matt Smith; Paul Stacey
Original assignee: Technological University Dublin
Priority date: 2022-09-30
Filing date: 2023-09-29
Publication date: 2024-04-04
Also published as: GB202214441D0

Abstract

A system (10) for detecting the occurrence of a seizure in a patient (105). the system (10) comprises a sensory stimulator (102) configured to provide sensory stimulation to the patient, a patient monitoring device (106) configured to monitor patient activity, and a processor (110). The processor (100) is configured to: activate the sensory stimulator (102) to provide sensory stimulation to the patient (105), monitor, using the patient monitoring device (106), patient activity as a result of the sensory stimulation, determine whether or not the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient (105) having a seizure; and in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, adjust the output of the sensory stimulator (102) so as to change the sensory stimulation provided to the patient (105).

Description

SEIZURE DETECTION SYSTEM

Field

The invention relates generally to a system for detecting the occurrence of a seizure in a patient. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a head mounted system for detecting the occurrence of a seizure in a patient.

Background

Seizures occur as a consequence of uncontrolled electrical signals in the brain. There are many conditions which can cause a person to experience seizures, such as epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition in which a person experiences a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, causing a seizure, typically in response to a sensory stimulus.

Seizures can take many forms, and different people are prone to suffering one or more different types of seizure. Seizures can include a range of symptoms including, but not limited to, jerking movements, loss of limb control, rigid muscles, muscle twitches, and full-body spasms. Some people experience non-motor seizures, also known as “absence seizures”. Such seizures have more inconspicuous symptoms which can be more difficult to detect and identify, such as fluttering eyelids, confusion, sudden stops in movement, or staring into space.

A variety of different stimuli can trigger a seizure. Examples of such stimuli include, but are not limited to, lights, strobe lights, sounds with a specific frequency, sounds with a certain volume, smells, tastes, visual patterns, sudden temperature changes, and combinations of sensory stimuli.

The causes of epilepsy and similar conditions are largely unknown, and diagnosis of such conditions is often difficult. MRI brain scans often fail to identify any structural issues which may be the cause of the condition. It may also be difficult to determine whether a person has experienced a seizure, as seizures often have no long-term effects and have a wide variety of symptoms. The present invention was developed with the foregoing in mind.

Summary of Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for detecting the occurrence of a seizure in a patient.

The system may comprise a sensory stimulator configured to provide sensory stimulation to the patient. The system may comprise a patient monitoring device configured to monitor patient activity.

The system may comprise a head mounted device to be worn by the patient. The head mounted device may comprise the sensory stimulator configured to provide sensory stimulation to the patient. The head mounted device may comprise the patient monitoring device configured to monitor patient activity.

The system comprises a processor. The processor is configured to: activate the sensory stimulator to provide sensory stimulation to the patient; monitor, using the patient monitoring device, patient activity as a result of the sensory stimulation; and determine whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure.

Having a head mounted device comprising both a sensory stimulator and a patient monitoring device can enable a single device to both trigger and detect seizures without requiring external components. This can provide a compact and easy to use system for detecting the occurrence of seizures.

In addition, having the sensory stimulator comprised within the head mounted device ensures that it is close to the patient. This can increase the effectiveness of the stimuli provided by the sensory stimulators and increase the likelihood of the stimuli triggering a seizure. Also, having patient monitoring device comprised within a head mounted device can ensure that the monitoring device is sufficiently close to the patient to accurately and effectively monitor patient activity. The head mounted device may comprise the processor. In other arrangements the processor may be external to the head mounted device. The processor may not be integral with the head mounted device. The processor may be physically disconnected from the head mounted device. The processor may be connected to the patient monitoring device via a wireless or wired connection. The processor may be connected to the sensory stimulator via a wireless or wired connection.

The head mounted device, in some arrangements, may be, or comprise, a helmet. Additionally or alternatively, the head mounted device may be, or comprise, a pair of goggles. Alternatively, or in addition, the head mounted device may in some arrangements be a virtual reality headset. Alternatively, or in addition, the head mounted device may in some arrangements may be an augmented reality headset. Advantageously, by having a head mounted device any movement of the patient does not affect the ability to consistently present the stimuli to the patient, or detect the presence of the seizure, as the headset is worn at all times during the procedure by the user.

The sensory stimulator may be configured to provide one or more of the following different types of sensory stimulation: visual stimulation, auditory stimulation, tactile stimulation, olfactory stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The sensory stimulator may be described as providing a “stimulation” each time it is activated. Additionally or alternatively, the sensory stimulator may be described as providing a “stimulation” each time the output of the sensory stimulator is altered.

Different patients can be susceptible to having seizures triggered by different stimuli. Having a range of potential sensory stimulators can enable a range of different stimuli to be tested for a patient. In some arrangements, where the sensory stimulator may be configured to provide multiple different types of sensory stimulation, the system provides a single device which can be used to test multiple different types of seizure triggers. Furthermore, neural circuits in the brain involved in integration of sensory and mnemonic processes can also be overloaded for diagnostic purposes using the different types of sensory stimulation. The system may be configured to detect the occurrence of an epileptic seizure. Alternatively, or in addition, the system may detect the occurrence of seizures that are caused by other medical conditions. The system may be employed for preventing occurrence of future seizures by determining stimuli which are likely to cause the patient to have a seizure.

The sensory stimulator may be configured to provide a sensory stimulation sequence. A sensory stimulation sequence may be a sequence of stimulations provided by the sensory stimulator. At least one of the stimulations within a sensory stimulation sequence may be different from at least one of the other stimulations in the sequence. At least one of the stimulations within a sensory stimulation sequence may be different from each of the other stimulations in the sequence. Each of the stimulations within a sensory stimulation sequence may be different from the other stimulations in the sequence. The sensory stimulation sequence may be procedurally generated.

A patient may be susceptible to having seizures, but those seizures may only be triggered by specific stimuli. Advantageously, using a stimulation sequence enables a variety of different stimuli to be tested whilst the patient is wearing the device.

The head mounted device may comprise one sensory stimulator. In other arrangements, the head mounted device may comprise a plurality of sensory stimulators. At least one of the sensory stimulators may be configured to provide a different type of sensory stimulation to at least one of the other sensory stimulators. At least one of the sensory stimulators may be configured to provide a different type of sensory stimulation to every other sensory stimulator. Each sensory stimulator may be configured to provide a different type of sensory stimulation to every other sensory stimulator.

Some patients may only be susceptible to having seizures triggered by specific combinations of stimuli. Using a plurality of sensory stimulators can enable the system to expose the patient to various types of stimulation and to combinations of different stimulation types simultaneously thereby providing improved likelihood of a seizure being tiggered and consequently detected. Each of the plurality of sensory stimulators may be configured to provide a unique sensory stimulation sequence. A sensory stimulation sequence may comprise stimulation from one or more of the sensory stimulators. A sensory stimulation sequence may comprise stimulation from one or more of the sensory stimulators simultaneously. At least one of the stimulations within a sensory stimulation sequence may be a different type of sensory stimulation to at least one of the other stimulations within the sensory stimulation sequence.

The patient monitoring device may be configured to monitor one or more types of patient activity. The patient monitoring device may be configured to monitor one or more types of patient activity simultaneously. The patient monitoring device may be configured to monitor patient activity in real-time, or near/approaching real-time. This monitoring may start prior to the sensory stimulation being provided to the patient. In other arrangements, it may start at the same time, or after the sensory stimulation being provided.

Types of patient activity include, but are not limited to: patient movement, patient eye movement, patient eye blinking, patient brain activity, patient heart rate, patient skin conductivity, and patient muscle activity. Any other type of patient activity that indicates a seizure may be monitored.

Different patients can be susceptible to having different types of seizures wherein the patients experience different symptoms. Monitoring different types of patient activity can enable the system to detect the occurrence of less visible seizures, and can increase the likelihood of the system detecting any given seizure.

The head mounted device may comprise one patient monitoring device. In other arrangements, the head mounted device may comprise a plurality of patient monitoring devices. At least one of the patient monitoring devices may be configured to monitor a different type of patient activity to at least one of the other patient monitoring devices. At least one of the patient monitoring devices may be configured to monitor a different type of patient activity to every other patient monitoring device. Each patient monitoring device may be configured to monitor a different type of patient activity to every other patient monitoring device. Patient activity indicative of the patient having a seizure may be patient activity which indicates that the patient is having a seizure. Alternatively, or in addition, patient activity indicative of the patient having a seizure may be patient activity which indicates that the patient is going to have a seizure.

The processor may, in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure, be configured to deactivate the sensory stimulator so as to stop providing sensory stimulation to the patient. The processor may, in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure, be configured to stop the sensory stimulation sequence so as to stop providing sensory stimulation to the patient.

The processor may be configured to increase the stimulation (e.g., increase the stimulus strength or maintain the stimulus) in response to determining that patient activity is indicative of a potential for triggering seizure.

Having a processor deactivate the sensory stimulator in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure can enable the stimulation to be removed from the patient before the seizure occurs, or immediately as the seizure occurs. This can enable the stimulation to be removed quickly to avoid damaging the health of the patient such that they do not arrive at harm. Using a processor to deactivate the sensory stimulators may enable the sensory stimulators to be deactivated quicker than if a person was deactivating them. In addition, as the patient monitoring device is located on the head mounted device it may identify the occurrence quicker than an external monitoring device would do given its proximity to the patient. This may also be increased through using multiple types of patient monitoring devices.

The processor may, in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure, be configured to generate an alert to indicate that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure. The alert may be a notification or a message. The alert may comprise the monitored patient activity. The alert may be sent to a clinician or other medical professional. The alert may be displayed to a clinician or other medical professional. The alert may display the monitored patient activity to a clinician, other medical professional, technician, or service provider.

The processor may be configured to determine that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure. Determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure may comprise failing to determine that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure within a given time period. Determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure may comprise failing to determine that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure during a sensory stimulation sequence.

The processor may, in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, be configured to adjust the output of the sensory stimulator so as to vary the sensory stimulation provided to the patient.

The processor may, in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, be configured to deactivate a first sensory stimulator to stop the first sensory stimulator providing sensory stimulation to the patient.

The processor may, in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, be configured to activate a second sensory stimulator to provide sensory stimulation to the patient. The second sensory stimulator may provide a different type of sensory stimulation to the first sensory stimulator.

The terms “first” and “second” above in reference to the sensory stimulators are not intended to limit the sensory stimulators to being the first and second stimulators activated in chronological order, although this may be the situation in some arrangements. Instead, the terms “first” and “second” are simply intended as labels to differentiate between sensory stimulators. The processor may, in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, be configured to activate a sensory stimulator to provide the next stimulation within a sensory stimulation sequence.

The processor may be configured to optimize the sensory stimulation sequence for the patient. The processor may be configured to activate specific sensory stimulators and/or provide specific stimulations based on the patient’s medical history and/or patient activity.

The processor may be configured to provide a sensory stimulation sequence based on the monitored patient activity during an initial testing phase. The processor may be configured to procedurally generate a sensory stimulation sequence. The processor may be configured to select one of a predefined set of sensory stimulation sequences. The processor may be configured to procedurally generate a subsequent step within a sensory stimulation sequence based on the monitored patient activity. The processor may provide the sensory stimulation to increase a specific type of sensory stimulation based on a change in the monitored patient activity in response to that specific type of sensory stimulation. The processor may provide the sensory stimulation to increase a specific type of sensory stimulation based on a change in the monitored patient activity in response to that specific type of sensory stimulation that indicates an increased likelihood of a seizure.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: activate a sensory stimulator, located on a head mounted device, to provide sensory stimulation to a patient wearing the head mounted device; monitor, using a patient monitoring device located on the head mounted device, patient activity as a result of the sensory stimulation; and determine whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: activate a sensory stimulator, located on a head mounted device, to provide sensory stimulation to a patient wearing the head mounted device; monitor, using a patient monitoring device located on the head mounted device, patient activity as a result of the sensory stimulation; and determine whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure.

The computer program product of the above aspect of the invention, or the computer- readable storage medium of the above aspect of the invention, may be executed by the processor of the system of the above aspect of the invention.

According to a further aspect there is provided a method for detecting the occurrence of a seizure in a patient, the method comprising the steps of: activating a sensory stimulator, located on a head mounted device, to provide sensory stimulation to a patient wearing the head mounted device; monitoring, using a patient monitoring device located on the head mounted device, patient activity as a result of the sensory stimulation; and determining whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure.

Optional features of any of the above aspects may be combined with the features of any other aspect, in any combination. For example, features described in connection with the system of the first aspect may have corresponding features definable with respect to the computer program product of the second aspect, and vice versa, and these embodiments are specifically envisaged. Features which are described in the context or separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and/or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a system for detecting the occurrence of seizures according to an arrangement of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of a further system for detecting the occurrence of seizures comprising a camera external from the head mounted device according to an arrangement of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view of a further system for detecting the occurrence of seizures according to an arrangement of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a system, according to an arrangement of the present invention, for detecting the occurrence of seizures wherein the processor is separate from the head mounted device;

Figure 5 shows a flow chart of a method performed by a processor for detecting the occurrence of seizures for use with the systems as shown in any of Figures 1 to 4;

Figure 6 shows a flow chart of a sensory stimulation sequence that may be performed using the system of either Figure 1 or 2;

Figure 7 shows a method used to detect the occurrence of a seizure using the systems as shown in any of Figures 1 to 4;

Figure 8 shows a data processing device for use in a system for detecting the occurrence of seizures; and

Figure 9 shows a control module for use in a system for detecting the occurrence of seizures.

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a system 10 for detecting the occurrence of a seizure in a patient 105. In some arrangements, the system is used to detect the occurrence of epileptic seizures in a patient 105 to determine whether the patient 105 is epileptic. The system comprises a head mounted device. The head mounted device comprises a helmet 100 configured to be worn by the patient 105. The system comprises a processor 110. In the arrangement of Figure 1, the processor 110 is integrally formed with the helmet 100. Also contained with the processor 110 is a battery, and network connectivity device for communicating signals from the processor to the other components, for example to control activation of sensory stimulators.

The helmet 100 is secured to the patient’s head via strap 111.

The head mounted device comprises sensory stimulators 102, 104 configured to provide sensory stimulation to the patient 105. In other embodiments, the sensory stimulators are part of the system but are not part of the head mounted device.

The first sensory stimulator 102 is a visual display. The visual display 102 is provided within a pair of goggles mounted over the eyes of the patient 105. The visual display 102 is configured to provide visual stimulation to the patient 105.

The visual display 102 may comprise two distinct displays, wherein each display is configured to provide sensory stimulation to an individual eye. In other arrangements, the visual display 102 may comprise a single display configured to provide sensory stimulation to both of the patient’s eyes.

In other arrangements, the head mounted device may comprise only a pair of goggles (with no helmet), or comprise a hat, a frame, or any other item which is head mountable. In some arrangements, the head mounted device is a virtual reality headset and/or an augmented reality headset.

In some arrangements, the visual display 102 can be configured to provide visual stimulation in the form of video, one or more images, or one or more coloured lights.

In the arrangement of Figure 1, the visual display 102 has an associated receiver/transmitter such that it is wirelessly connected to the processor 110. In other arrangements, the visual display 102 can be connected to the processor 110 via one or more wires. In the arrangement of Figure 1, the visual display 102 is not physically connected to the helmet 100. In other arrangements, the visual display 102 may be connected to the helmet 100. In other arrangements, the visual display 102 may be integrally formed with the helmet 100.

The second sensory stimulator 104 is a pair of headphones. The headphones 104 extend from the helmet 100 and cover the ears of the patient 105. The headphones 104 are configured to provide auditory stimulation to the patient 105.

In some arrangements, the headphones 104 can be configured to provide music, buzzes, voices, or other sounds to the patient 105. The sounds from the headphones 104 can be provided with a range of different volumes and different pitches. In some arrangements, the headphones 104 can provide stimulation to both of the patient’s ears simultaneously. In some arrangements, the headphones 104 can provide stimulation alternatively to each of the patient’s ears.

In the arrangement of Figure 1, the headphones 104 are integrally formed with the helmet and are connected to processor 110 via one or more wires. In other embodiments, the headphones 104 can be connected wirelessly connected to the processor 110.

In other arrangements, the system can comprise alternative and/or additional sensory stimulators. The sensory stimulators can be configured to provide one or more of the following different types of sensory stimulation: tactile stimulation, visual stimulation, auditory stimulation, olfactory stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, or transcranial magnetic stimulation.

In some arrangements, at least one of the sensory stimulators is configured to provide the same type of sensory stimulation as at least one of the other sensory stimulators. In other arrangements, each of the sensory stimulators is configured to provide a different type of sensory stimulation.

Examples of sensory stimulators suitable for providing tactile stimulation include tapping actuators, vibrating actuators, fans, liquid sprays, heat sources and heat sinks. Examples of sensory stimulators suitable for providing visual stimulation include LEDs, Bulbs, visual displays, virtual reality headsets, augmented reality headset, and strobe lights, or any other type of visual image or display

Examples of sensory stimulators suitable for providing auditory stimulation include earphones, headphones, buzzers and speakers. Each of the sensory stimulators listed above for providing auditory stimulation are configured to deliver sounds to the user.

Examples of sensory stimulators suitable for providing olfactory stimulation include fragrant liquid sprays and fragrant samples.

An example of a sensory stimulator suitable for providing transcranial direct current stimulation is a pair of electrodes.

Examples of sensory stimulators suitable for providing transcranial magnetic stimulation include magnetic coils and permanent magnets.

In the arrangement of Figure 1, the head mounted device comprises two sensory stimulators. In other arrangements, the head mounted device comprises one sensory stimulator. In other arrangements, the head mounted device comprise more than two sensory stimulators.

In the arrangement of Figure 1, the head mounted device comprises two different types of sensory stimulator (i.e., sensory stimulators configured to provide different types of sensory stimulation). In other arrangements, the head mounted device comprises a single type of sensory stimulator, or any plurality of types of sensory stimulator. In the arrangement shown in Figure 1 the sensory stimulators are located on the head mounted device. However, it can be envisaged that one or more sensory stimulators may be located external to the head mounted device in some arrangements.

In the arrangement of Figure 1, the sensory stimulators can be operable simultaneously or individually. The head mounted device comprises patient monitoring devices 106, 107, 108 configured to monitor patient activity. In other embodiments, the patient monitoring devices are part of the system but are not part of the head mounted device.

The first patient monitoring device 106 is an electromyograph (EMG). The EMG 106 comprises electrodes which are placed on to the skin of the patient 105. The EMG 106 is configured to detect muscle activity of the patient 105.

The second patient monitoring device 107 is an eye tracking sensor. The eye tracking sensor 107 comprises one or more cameras built within the same goggles which house the visual display 102. As outlined above, the goggles form part of the head mounted device. The eye tracking sensor 107 is configured to detect and track the movement of the patient’s eyes. Of course, other types of eye tracking sensors may be used.

The third patient monitoring device 108 is an electroencephalogram (EEG). The EEG 108 comprises electrodes which are placed around the head of the patient 105. In the arrangement of Figure 1, the electrodes of the EEG 108 are integrally formed within the helmet 100. The EEG 108 is configured to detect brain activity of the patient 105. In other embodiments, functional near infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS), and/or Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPM)-MEG (and/or any other brain imaging device) may be used to monitor brain activity of the patient instead of, or in addition to, the EEG.

In other arrangements, the system comprises alternative and/or additional patient monitoring devices. The patient monitoring devices can be configured to monitor one or more of the following different types of patient activity: patient movement, patient eye movement, patient eye blinking, patient brain activity, patient heart rate, patient skin conductivity, patient sounds, or patient muscle activity.

In some arrangements, at least one of the patient monitoring devices is configured to monitor the same type of patient activity as at least one of the other patient monitoring devices. In other arrangements, each of the patient monitoring devices is configured to monitor a different type of patient activity. An alternative patient monitoring device suitable for monitoring patient activity is an electrooculogram .

Examples of patient monitoring devices suitable for monitoring patient movement include cameras, accelerometers, and gyroscopes.

Examples of patient monitoring devices suitable for monitoring eye movement include cameras and eye-tracking devices.

Examples of patient monitoring devices suitable for monitoring patient heart rate include electrocardiograms, smart watches and heart rate sensors.

Examples of patient monitoring devices suitable for monitoring sound include microphones.

An example of a monitoring device suitable for monitoring patient skin conductivity is a pair of electrodes.

In the arrangement of Figure 1, the head mounted device comprises three patient monitoring devices. In other arrangements, the head mounted devices comprises one patient monitoring device. In other arrangements, the head mounted devices comprises two patient monitoring devices. In other arrangements, the head mounted devices comprises more than three patient monitoring devices.

In the arrangement of Figure 1, the head mounted device comprises three different types of patient monitoring device (i.e., patient monitoring devices configured to monitor three different types of patient activity). In other arrangements, the head mounted device comprises a single type of patient monitoring device, or any plurality of types of patient monitoring device.

In the arrangement of Figure 1, the plurality of patient monitoring devices 106, 107, 108 are configured to simultaneously monitor different types of patient activity.

In other arrangements, the system can comprise patient monitoring devices which are separate from the head mounted device. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 2. The system of Figure 2 is substantially similar to the system of Figure 1, and like reference numbers are used to refer to like features.

The system 20 of Figure 2 differs in that it includes a camera 109 which acts as a fourth patient monitoring device. The camera 109 is wirelessly connected to the processor 110 and can be used to monitor for indication of seizures. In other arrangements, the camera 109 may use a wired connection. It may also be envisaged in other arrangements that the head mounted device does not include patient monitoring devices and they are purely external.

Figure 3 shows an alternative system 30. The system 30 of Figure 3 is substantially similar to the system 10 of Figure 1, with like reference numbers being used to refer to like features. The system 30 of Figure 3 differs from the system 10 of Figure 1 in that the visual display 102 and the eye tracking sensors 107 are not present in this system 30. As such, the system 30 of Figure 3 only comprises one sensory stimulator and two patient monitoring devices. In this arrangement sensory stimulation to trigger a seizure may only be provided by the sensory stimulator 104 and/or external sources.

In some arrangements, the system of any of Figures 1, 2 or 3 may be used in conjunction with a mouthguard. The mouthguard may protect the user’s mouth, gums, and lips in the event that the patient experiences a seizure.

Figure 4 shows a system according to the present invention having a head mounted device 300 worn by a user 305. In the system of Figure 4, the processor 310 is external from the head mounted device 300. The head mounted device 300 may otherwise be identical to those of any of Figures 1 to 3, or as described above, but with the processor external to the head mounted device 300. In the arrangement of Figure 4, the processor 310 is a computer.

The processor 310 is connected to the head mounted device 300 through a wired connection 315. In other arrangements, there may be a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) connection between the head mounted device 300 and the processor 310. The system of Figure 4 comprises an external display 316 which is in communication with the processor 310. The display 316 can be configured to display the monitored patient activity, for example, to a clinician.

In each of the systems described above, the processor is configured to send control signals to activate and deactivate the sensory stimulators. In each of the systems described above, the processor is configured to send control signals to activate and deactivate the patient monitoring devices and to receive data indicative of patient activity monitored by the patient monitoring devices.

Figure 5 provides an overview of the steps performed by the processor in a method 1000 according to the present invention.

In the first step 1010 the processor is configured to: activate one of the stimulation devices (for example, the visual display 102) to provide sensory stimulation to the patient.

In the second step 1020 the processor is configured to monitor, using the patient monitoring devices (e.g., the EMG 106 and EEG 108), patient activity as a result of the sensory stimulation; and

In the second step 1020 the processor is configured to determine 1030 whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure.

In this way the processor analyses the monitored patient activity received from the patient monitoring devices to determine whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure.

In some arrangements, the processor can activate all of the patient monitoring devices simultaneously, or near simultaneously, such that different types of patient activity are monitored simultaneously. In such arrangements, the processor can analyse the different types of monitored patient activity simultaneously.

In some arrangements, determining whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure includes determining whether any measured parameters within the monitored patient activity exceed, or drop below, a threshold. In some arrangements, determining whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure includes determining whether the time derivative of any measured parameters within the monitored patient activity exceed, or drop below, a threshold.

For example, the patient activity can include heart rate and, in such arrangements, a significant or rapid increase in the heart rate can be indicative of a seizure. In other arrangements, patient activity can include eye movement, and detection of sudden rapid eye movement can be indicative of a seizure.

The processor can control the sensory stimulators so as to provide a sensory stimulation sequence. A sensory stimulation sequence used in some arrangements of the invention is described below with reference to Figure 6.

Figure 6 shows a flow chart of a sensory stimulation sequence 1100 that may be performed using the system of either Figure 1 or 2. The sensory stimulation sequence of Figure 6 only comprises stimulation from a visual stimulus, such as a visual display, but in other arrangements it may comprise a different type of sensory stimulator, or a variety of sensory stimulator types.

The first step in the sequence is to activate 1111 the visual display. Activating 1111 the visual display can comprise sending a signal to the display to instruct the display to provide a light. In other arrangements, the visual display may show an image to a patient.

The second step in the sequence is to increase 1112 the brightness of the display. In other arrangements, the second step may be to continually, or periodically, vary the brightness of the display.

The third step in the sequence is to repeatedly deactivate and reactivate the display so as to provide 1113 strobe lighting.

The fourth step in the sequence is to increase 1114 the strobe frequency of the strobe lighting from the display. In some arrangements, each step of the sequence 1100 lasts for a predetermined length of time.

In other arrangements, the sequence can comprise any number of steps. In other arrangements, the sequence can comprise stimulation from any number of sensory stimulation devices. In other arrangements, steps within the sequence may comprise stimulation from two or more sensory stimulators.

The processor deactivates the display after the strobe frequency has increased to a predetermined maximum level.

If the processor determines that the patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure during any step of the stimulation sequence, the sequence can be immediately terminated, and the sensory stimulators can be deactivated.

If the processor does not detect patient activity indicative of the patient having a seizure during any of the steps in the stimulation sequence 1100, the processor determines that the patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure.

In some arrangements, after determining that the patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, the processor can activate an alternative stimulation sequence.

In some arrangements, the sensory stimulator is a virtual reality headset configured to reorient a patient’s surroundings as a stimulus. The virtual reality headset may be configured to change the perceived size of real or virtual objects as a stimulus.

The virtual display may, in some arrangements, display a fractal domain as a stimulus. The virtual display may display a continuously zooming in, or zooming out, fractal domain. This may trigger a seizure in some patients with certain types of epilepsy.

In some arrangements, the sensory stimulators comprise at least one visual stimulator (e.g., a display, such as a VR headset, or AR headset) and at least one auditory stimulator. The visual and auditory stimulators may be configured to cause a patient to perceive sounds coming from a direction which contradicts an incoming sound direction expected by the patient direction based on the visual display. For example, a patient may see a virtual person or virtual sound source from the visual stimulator and hear a corresponding voice/sound from the auditory stimulator, wherein the patient does not perceive the sound to be coming from the virtual person or virtual sound source.

In some arrangements, the sensory stimulator can be a visual display configured to provide a variety of different colour lights as stimuli. The visual display may be configured to alternatively display different colour lights. The visual display may be configured to alternatively display different colour lights with different brightness.

In some arrangements, the visual display may be configured to only present stimuli to one eye of the patient. The visual display may be configured to present stimuli alternatively to each eye.

In some arrangements, the sensor stimulator is an auditory stimulator configured to provide binaural beats. For example, the auditory stimulator may be configured to provide sounds with two distinct, but nearby frequencies. The sounds with distinct frequencies may be provided to separate ears.

All of the above-described scenarios/stimuli are known or are potential triggers for seizures. These different stimuli can be used to trigger seizures in a controlled way, using the system of the present invention. Also, by controlling which stimuli are provided to the patient, it can be determined which of the stimuli triggers seizures for the patient, and thus it can be determined which type of epilepsy the patient has.

In another embodiment, the processor activates one or more sensory stimulators during an initial testing phase and receives the monitored patient feedback from the patient monitoring devices. The processor then provides a sensory stimulation sequence based on the monitored patient activity obtained during the initial testing phase. The sensory stimulation sequence may be one of various predefined sequences, or it may be a procedurally generated stimulation sequence. For example, during the initial testing phase, a display may be used to show the patient various colours with various levels of brightness, and headphones may provide various types of audio stimulation. If, for example, the patient’s abnormal brain activity increases in response to visual stimulation using the colour red, the processor may provide a sensory stimulation sequence comprising more sensory stimulation using the colour red. As another example, if the patient’s brain activity changes in response to audio stimulation using sounds with a specific frequency, the processor may provide a sensory stimulation sequence comprising lots of audio stimulation using sounds with that frequency.

A change in monitored patient activity may indicate that there is an increased likelihood of a seizure, without indicating that a seizure is currently happening. For example, an increase in heart rate and/or abnormal brain activity in response to a specific sensory stimulation may indicate that there is an increased likelihood of a seizure occurring without indicating that the patient is currently having a seizure.

Figure 7 provides an overview of the steps performed by a patient and by the processor in a method 2000 used to detect the occurrence of a seizure using the systems as shown in any of Figures 1 to 4.

The first step 2005 is for a patient to put on the head mounted device. In some arrangements, this step 2005 includes the patient putting on the head-mounted device of any of Figures 1-3.

Once the patient is wearing the head mounted device, the processor activates the patient monitoring devices in order to monitor 2020 the patient activity. The patient monitoring devices send the monitored patient activity (i.e. user status) to the processor to enable monitoring of the patient activity prior to the application of any sensory stimulus.

While the patient activity is being monitored, the processor activates 2010 one or more of the sensory stimulators to provide sensory stimulation to the patient. The patient monitoring devices continue to monitor the patient activity whilst the sensory stimulators provide stimulation to the patient. The processor analyses the monitored patient activity before, during, and after the sensory stimulators are activated in order to determine whether the patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure.

If the processor determines that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure 2030, the sensory stimulators are deactivated. In some arrangements, after deactivating the sensory stimulators, the processor can be configured to generate and/or send an alert to indicate that the patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure. The alert can be sent to a clinician or other relevant medical professional.

In alternative arrangements, the sensory stimulators remain active, and/or the stimulation is varied to further explore stimulation and to identify the patient’s susceptibility to experiencing seizures using different stimuli.

Alternatively, if the processor determines that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure 2040, the processor can be configured to adjust the sensory stimulation provided to the user. If the processor determines that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, the next step within a sensory stimulation sequence is activated. If the processor determines that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, an alternative sensory stimulator can be activated.

In some arrangements, adjusting the sensory stimulation, or activating the next step in a sensory stimulation sequence, comprises activating another sensory stimulator. In some arrangements, the processor can deactivate an already active sensory stimulator before activating another sensory stimulator. In other arrangements, the processor can activate another sensory stimulator without deactivating an already active sensory stimulator, such that more than one sensory stimulator can be active simultaneously.

The processor may be configured to repeatedly activate different sensory stimulators in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure. The processor may repeatedly activate different sensory stimulators until each of the sensory stimulators have been activated. A schematic data processing device 4000 is shown in Figure 8. The data processing device 4000 comprises a processor 4100, a memory 4200, and communication interface 4300.

In some arrangements, each component of the data processing device 4000 can be part of the head mounted device. In other arrangements, one or more of the components may be external from the data processing device 4000, as described above.

The processor 4100 is configured to communicate with sensory stimulators and patient monitoring devices via the communication interface 4300, as described above. Instructions configured to be executed by the processor 4100 can be stored in the memory 4200.

A schematic control module 5000 is shown in Figure 9. The schematic control module 5000 comprises an audio control module 5100, a visual control module 5200, and one or more sensor control modules 5300.

The audio control module 5100 is configured to activate and/or control an auditory sensory stimulator. The visual control module 5200 is configured to activate and/or control a visual sensory stimulator.

The audio control module 5100 and visual control module 5200 are examples of stimulus control modules. In other arrangements, the control module 5000 can comprise one stimulus control module, or a plurality of stimulus control modules.

The sensor control modules 5300 are configured to activate the patient monitoring devices. In some arrangements, the control module 5000 comprises one sensor control module 5300 for each of the patient monitoring devices. The sensor control modules 5300 are configured to receive monitored patient activity from the patient monitoring devices.

In some arrangements, the control module 5000 is a set of instructions configured to be executed by a processor. The term processor used herein may include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration) for executing instructions. The processor(s) may be component(s) of system, for example a processor of a device. The instructions may be executed within a variety of different operating systems on the data processing device, such as UNIX, LINUX, Microsoft Windows®, etc. More specifically, the instructions may cause various data manipulations on data stored in memory (e.g., create, read, update, and delete procedures). It should also be appreciated that upon initiation of a computer-implemented method, various instructions may be executed during initialization. Some operations may be required to perform one or more methods described herein, while other operations may be more general and/or specific to a particular programming language (e.g., C, C#, C++, Java, or other suitable programming languages, etc.).

Memory may include, but is not limited to, RAM such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM), ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The above memory types are exemplary only and are not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program.

As used herein, the term computer readable storage medium or "non-transitory computer-readable media" is intended to be representative of any tangible computer- based device implemented in any method or technology for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as, computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and sub-modules, or other data in any device. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device, and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Furthermore, as used herein, the term computer readable storage medium or "non- transitory computer-readable media" includes all tangible, computer-readable media, including, without limitation, non-transitory computer storage devices, including, without limitation, volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media such as a firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and any other digital source such as a network or the Internet, as well as yet to be developed digital means, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal. From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of garments incorporating electronic capabilities, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the claims and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A system for detecting the occurrence of a seizure in a patient, the system comprising: a sensory stimulator configured to provide sensory stimulation to the patient; a patient monitoring device configured to monitor patient activity; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: activate the sensory stimulator to provide sensory stimulation to the patient; monitor, using the patient monitoring device, patient activity as a result of the sensory stimulation; determine whether or not the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure; and in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, adjust the output of the sensory stimulator so as to change the sensory stimulation provided to the patient.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein, in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure, the processor is configured to: deactivate the sensory stimulator so as to stop providing sensory stimulation to the patient.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure, the processor is configured to: generate an alert to indicate that the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure.

4. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a head mounted device to be worn by the patient, the head mounted device comprising the sensory stimulator and the patient monitoring device.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to adjust the output of the sensory stimulator based on the monitored patient activity to increase sensory stimulation associated with a change in monitored patient activity that indicates an increased likelihood of a seizure.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensory stimulator is a first sensory stimulator, and the head mounted device comprises a plurality of sensory stimulators; and wherein in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, the processor is further configured to: deactivate the first sensory stimulator to stop the first sensory stimulator providing sensory stimulation to the patient; and activate a second sensory stimulator to provide sensory stimulation to the patient.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second sensory stimulator provides a different type of sensory stimulation to the first sensory stimulator.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the sensory stimulator is configured to provide one or more of the following different types of sensory stimulation: visual stimulation, auditory stimulation, tactile stimulation, olfactory stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the patient monitoring device is configured to monitor one or more of: patient movement, patient eye movement, patient eye blinking, patient brain activity, patient heart rate, patient skin conductivity, and patient muscle activity.

10. The system of any of claims 4-9, wherein the head mounted device comprises a plurality of patient monitoring devices configured to simultaneously monitor patient activity.

1 1. The system of any of claims 4-10, wherein the head mounted device comprises the processor.

12. The system of any of claims 4-11, wherein the head mounted device is a virtual reality headset and/or an augmented reality headset.

13. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: activate a sensory stimulator, located on a head mounted device, to provide sensory stimulation to a patient wearing the head mounted device; monitor, using a patient monitoring device located on the head mounted device, patient activity as a result of the sensory stimulation; determine whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure; and in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, adjust the output of the sensory stimulator so as to change the sensory stimulation provided to the patient.

14. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: activate a sensory stimulator, located on a head mounted device, to provide sensory stimulation to a patient wearing the head mounted device; monitor, using a patient monitoring device located on the head mounted device, patient activity as a result of the sensory stimulation; determine whether the monitored patient activity is indicative of the patient having a seizure; and in response to determining that the monitored patient activity is not indicative of the patient having a seizure, adjust the output of the sensory stimulator so as to change the sensory stimulation provided to the patient.