Feasibility study of a caregiver seizure alert system in canine epilepsy

Lisa D. Coles, Edward E. Patterson, W. Douglas Sheffield, Jaideep Mavoori, Jason Higgins, Bland Michael, Kent Leyde, James C. Cloyd, Brian Litt, Charles Vite, Gregory A. Worrell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

A device capable of detecting seizures and alerting caregivers would be a major advance for epilepsy management, and could be used to guide early intervention and prevent seizure-related injuries. The objective of this work was to evaluate a seizure advisory system (SAS) that alerts caregivers of seizures in canines with naturally occurring epilepsy. Four dogs with epilepsy were implanted with a SAS that wirelessly transmits continuous intracranial EEG (iEEG) to an external device embedded with a seizure detection algorithm and the capability to alert caregivers. In this study a veterinarian was alerted by automated text message if prolonged or repetitive seizures occurred, and a rescue therapy protocol was implemented. The performance of the SAS caregiver alert was evaluated over the course of 8 weeks. Following discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs, the dogs experienced spontaneous unprovoked partial seizures that secondarily generalized. Three prolonged or repetitive seizure episodes occurred in 2 of the dogs. On each occasion, the SAS caregiver alert successfully alerted an on call veterinarian who confirmed the seizure activity via remote video-monitoring. A rescue medication was then administered and the seizures were aborted. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a SAS to alert caregivers to the occurrence of prolonged or repetitive seizures and enables rescue medications to be delivered in a timely manner. The SAS may improve the management of human epilepsy by alerting caregivers of seizures, enabling early interventions, and potentially improving outcomes and quality of life of patients and caregivers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)456-460
Number of pages5
JournalEpilepsy Research
Volume106
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013

Keywords

  • Caregiver alert
  • Device
  • EEG
  • Epilepsy
  • Seizure advisory
  • Seizure management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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