Extra-cranial seizure detection in adults with ID and epilepsy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The development of a method for acceptable and reliable extra-cranial detection of seizures in adults with intellectual disability and medication-resistant epilepsy
IRAS ID
147873
Contact name
Howard Ring
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
The primary aim of this research is to develop a process and an algorithm for the automatic detection of seizures in adults with an intellectual disability and severe epilepsy, based on the combined analysis of heart rate variability and accelerometry data. The development of such methodology, if it were feasible and acceptable for use in adults with ID, could support improved diagnoses of paroxysmal behavioural symptoms of unclear origin and better monitoring of the effects of antiepileptic medication in those with difficult-to-treat seizures.
To achieve this goal, the study will seek to address the following research questions:
1. Is it possible to develop a system of accelerometry and heart rate data collection that is easy to wear and well tolerated by people with moderate to severe intellectual disability?
2. Is it possible to combine existing algorithms for the analyses of heart rate variability and accelerometry data, for the detection of epileptic seizures?
3. Will this combined algorithm have higher values of sensitivity and specificity than the individual algorithms?
4. Does the use of this clinical monitoring approach contribute to patient safety?
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0786
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion