Mobile EEG in epilepsy.
The sensitivity of routine EEG recordings for interictal epileptiform discharges in epilepsy is limited. In some patients, inpatient video-EEG may be performed to increase the likelihood of finding abnormalities. Although many agree that home EEG recordings may provide a cost-effective alternative to these recordings, their use is still not introduced everywhere. We surveyed Dutch neurologists and patients and evaluated a novel mobile EEG device (Mobita, TMSi). Key specifications were compared with three other current mobile EEG devices. We shortly discuss algorithms to assist in the review process. Thirty percent (33 out of 109) of Dutch neurologists reported that home EEG recordings are used in their hospital. The majority of neurologists think that mobile EEG can have additional value in investigation of unclear paroxysms, but not in the initial diagnosis after a first seizure. Poor electrode contacts and signal quality, limited recording time and absence of software for reliable and effective assistance in the interpretation of EEGs have been important constraints for usage, but in recent devices discussed here, many of these problems have been solved. The majority of our patients were satisfied with the home EEG procedure and did not think that our EEG device was uncomfortable to wear, but they did feel uneasy wearing it in public.
Department of Clinical Neurophysiology at MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands. Electronic address: J.Askamp@utwente.nl.
Jessica
J
Askamp
Department of Clinical Neurophysiology at MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Michel J A M
MJ
van Putten
D058256:Brain Waves / Q000502:physiology; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D063731:Mobile Applications
Computer assisted reviewing; EEG devices; Epilepsy; Home EEG; Mobile EEG; Neurologists' opinions; Patient satisfaction