New Brain Wave Technology Helps Doctors Detect, Stop Seizures Faster

When someone is having a seizure, every second matters. But not every seizure presents with a stereotypical loss of consciousness and rhythmic jerking of arms and legs. That’s why physicians at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute and Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, have turned to new portable, point-of-care EEG (electrocephalogram) technology that brings rapid testing directly to a patient’s bedside.

“If we suspect a patient is having a seizure, we need answers right away,” said Luis Tornes, M.D., director of epilepsy at Miami Neuroscience Institute. “The longer we wait to start treatment, the greater the risk of damage to the brain. And, the longer seizures continue, the more difficult it is to treat and stop them.”

Quick Setup, Immediate Results

Unlike traditional EEG tests that require special technicians and equipment, the new devices look like a simple headband and can be set up by a nurse in just minutes. This makes them especially valuable in emergency rooms and intensive care units — and rural hospitals — where doctors need quick answers.

“The traditional EEG test is still the gold standard,” Dr. Tornes said. “But most hospitals in the U.S. and around the world can’t provide 24/7 testing. There is a shortage of trained technologists, and even hospitals with staff and equipment may have to wait hours for someone to come in during the night.”

Catching Hidden Seizures

The lightweight, wireless headset contains multiple sensors that monitor brain activity. Doctors can view the results in real time from anywhere, and if they see seizure activity, they can start treatment immediately.

This technology is particularly important because up to 30 percent of critically ill patients may have “silent” or non-convulsive seizures that don’t cause obvious shaking or movement. These hidden seizures are impossible to detect without brain wave monitoring.

Time is Critical with Epileptic Seizures

Research shows that seizure medications become less effective very quickly, sometimes within just 30 minutes of the start of a seizure. The faster doctors can detect and treat seizures, the better for patients.

“Non-convulsive seizures can happen to people who’ve had cardiac arrest, chronic illness, traumatic brain injury or those who have a history of epilepsy,” said neurologist Pooja Patel, M.D., director of the epilepsy monitoring unit at Marcus Neuroscience Institute. “Early recognition, to prevent long-term neurological complications, is extremely important. Point-of-care EEG helps us provide the best treatment for our patients.”

Luis Tornes, M.D., director of epilepsy at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute

Pooja Patel, M.D., director of the epilepsy monitoring unit at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health