Non-EEG-based devices detected generalized tonic-clonic seizures with high sensitivity (≥90%) and low false alarm rates, but evidence for other seizure types remains limited.
Are non-EEG-based mobile or wearable devices effective and reliable for detecting various types of seizures?
Non-EEG-based wearable devices are reliable for detecting generalized tonic-clonic seizures but currently lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity for other seizure types.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is need for automated seizure detection using mobile or wearable devices, for objective seizure documentation and decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with seizures. Due to technological development, a high number of articles have addressed non-electroencephalography (EEG)-based seizure detection. However, the quality of study-design and reporting is extremely heterogeneous. We aimed at giving the reader a clear picture on the current state of seizure detection, describing the level of evidence behind the various devices. RECENT FINDINGS: Fifteen studies of phase-2 or above, demonstrated that non-EEG-based devices detected generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) with high sensitivity (≥90%) and low false alarm rate (FAR) (down to 0.2/day). We found limited evidence for detection of motor seizures other than GTCS, mostly from subgroups in larger studies, targeting GTCS. There is little evidence for non-EEG-based detection of nonmotor seizures: sensitivity is low (19-74%) with extremely high FAR (50-216/day). SUMMARY: Detection of GTCS is reliable and there are several, validated devices on the market. However, detection of other seizure types needs further research.
Beniczky et al. (2019) conducted a review in Seizures. Non-electroencephalography (EEG)-based seizure detection devices was evaluated on Detection of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). Non-EEG-based devices detected generalized tonic-clonic seizures with high sensitivity (≥90%) and low false alarm rates, but evidence for other seizure types remains limited.