Design and evolution of a system for long-term electroencephalographic and video monitoring of epilepsy patients.
The impact of technology, especially computer technology, on clinical neurophysiology instrumentation has yielded more than automation of paper-based electroencephalography. The new features now available as standard components of digital EEG/video have actually transformed practice (e.g., post hoc remontaging or filtering). At the same time, however, the fact that the signals are digital has led to a panoply of "tools in search of a problem." To incorporate appropriate tools in a practical and cost-effective fashion is a challenge that requires detailed, interdisciplinary knowledge, as well as concentrated effort. Although it is in the nature of research and development to follow a few blind alleys, too many projects are never productively implemented because excessive attention is focused on the obscure and not enough on whether and how the technique can actually help patients. In addition, a long-term view requires making the correct technology choices, to benefit from the consumer cost cycle and to ensure a continuous migration pathway. The lessons learned and principles established while bringing together the space, the people, and the equipment into an efficient, high-volume epilepsy monitoring unit are instructive.
Burgess
R C
RC
Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D003201:Computers; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D009462:Neurology / Q000379:methods; D012984:Software; D013997:Time Factors; D014741:Video Recording