Medical Devices for the Management of Patients with Epilepsy

Abstract

The increasing number of medical devices developed and marketed towards management of patients with epilepsy reflects the growing interest in translating technological advances and knowledge about epilepsy into better healthcare for this population. The objective of this narrative literature review is to analyze the available options of medical devices for detecting, treating, and recording epileptic seizures, and their potential clinical application. The included articles were selected from the PubMed database using the query “(Epilepsy[MeSH Terms]) AND (SUDEP)) AND (Medical Device)) AND (English[Language])”. The detection of epileptic seizures is essential for early intervention and to optimize the therapy for each patient. In outpatient settings, this detection is further challenging due to their unpredictability. Traditionally electroencephalography is the direct detection method used in a hospital environment. Indirect methods, such as electrocardiogram, photoplethysmography, oximeter, electrodermal activity, accelerometer, and electromyography, have shown potential for detecting seizures in the outpatient setting. Several medical devices have been developed based on the mentioned methods, with the aim of providing patients with solutions they can use in their daily lives. Behind-the-ear EEG, wristbands, armbands and bed sensors are some of the designs available. Equipped with different features, these devices can answer the need for early seizure detection and improve patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life. There are also devices available for the treatment of epileptic seizures. Through neuromodulation techniques such as vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, and responsive neurostimulation, these devices are presented as solutions for patients with refractory epilepsy not eligible for ressective surgery. Patients with epilepsy have several apps available online for proper recording of seizures. These apps help doctors optimize therapy based on clinical evolution. The wide range of devices available creates the opportunity to personalize the approach to patient’s specific needs. Understanding each device’s characteristics can help clinicians improve management of patients with epilepsy.