Monitoring, signal analysis, and control of epileptic seizures: A paradigm in brain research

This paper introduces a framework for addressing neurological disorders and specifically epilepsy. One percent of the world´s population is experiencing epileptic seizures a large percentage of which cannot be cured via medication or surgery. Recent advances in brain research have demonstrated the efficacy of monitoring via intracranial electroencephalogram (IEEG) epileptiform activity and the ability to detect and predict the onset of a seizure. Research is also concerned with the development of means to stimulate the brain in order to stop seizures. We review in this paper, work in the area of monitoring and EEG signal analysis aimed to detect/predict seizures and we propose a closed-loop control scheme to stimulate electrically the source of epileptiform activity with the intent to stop seizures and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from this disorder. Preliminary results are promising and additional research is warranted in this area.