Novel epileptic seizure detection system using multiple single neuron recordings

Approximately 20% of people diagnosed with epilepsy cannot be treated effectively. Consequently, there exists a significant need for alternative types of treatment. To aid in the effort of solving this problem, the authors have developed a prototype system that will monitor neuron activity to detect a seizure and terminate seizures in their initial stages. The system consists of 3 blocks: a data acquisition system, a seizure detection unit, and a stimulation device. The data acquisition system includes a detector implanted in the brain. This detector collects raw electrical waveforms that are filtered for the presence of neural action potentials by special signal processing equipment. The quantity and frequency of these neural action potentials is sent to the seizure detection unit, which employs a specially designed algorithm to detect pre-seizure activity in single neuron firing patterns. If the presence of pre-seizure activity is discovered, the seizure detection unit sends a signal to the stimulation device, which emits an electrical signal into the brainstem, thereby preventing a full seizure. This prototype is tested in rats treated with pentylenetetrazol (PZT) a known seizure inducing drug.