Smartphone-Driven Tech to Combat Epilepsy
From: ECN - 08/31/2010
By: Sam Cinquegrani

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy affects nearly three million
people in the US, with about 200,000 new cases being diagnosed every year.
The Epilepsy Center at the University of Chicago has leveraged technology to
improve processes and cut costs. It monitors patients' brain waves remotely
so it can identify when a seizure has occurred and offer patients more
effective treatment for their condition. The patient carries a computer
modem-sized device like a purse and four electronic leads attach to the
cranium of their head. Data is captured for further study through Bluetooth
communications and a laptop.  

Recognizing this method is cumbersome for the patient, the University of
Chicago began searching for a better solution. It is now collaborating on the
development of a new wireless, 16-channel amplifier that can operate for up
to 24 hours without being recharged. The device under development is tiny and
lightweight—just about the size of a business card, and approximately 1/8
inch thick—so it can be concealed under a hat. The amplifier connects to a
Smart Phone, which streams the data to a monitoring station at the Epilepsy
Center in real or near real time. When the patient goes into seizure, an
alert is sent to his or her cell phone or a physician, parent, guardian,
teacher, or other designated individual. The GPS capabilities on the Smart
Phone enable the monitoring station's server to track the location of the
patient. 

... 

In healthcare, small, powerful computing devices and cellular networks can
potentially transform service delivery. If the brain waves of epilepsy
patients can be monitored, so can other functions, including heart rates,
sugar levels, and oxygen levels, which can benefit patients with chronic
conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Continuous
monitoring helps prevent the development of more serious conditions, and
costs can be reduced significantly for both healthcare providers and
patients.  

Read the entire article at:
http://www.ecnmag.com/blog/2010/08/medical/smartphone-tech-combats-epilepsy.aspx

Links:
Epilepsy Center at the University of Chicago
http://www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/epilepsy/
http://pediatricepilepsy.uchicago.edu/treatment/index.html

Smartphone app would constantly monitor epilepsy patients
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9180888/Smartphone_app_would_constantly_monitor_epilepsy_patients?source=rss_news

Wave Technology: Wave EEG Monitor
http://www.wavetechnologygroup.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115&Itemid=170

Epilepsy Foundation
http://epilepsyfoundation.org/