Skip to main content

Ingenious new wearable tracks users’ brain waves to forecast epileptic seizures

Epilog Final Pitch Video

For people with epilepsy, the fear of suffering an unexpected seizure can be enough to stop them from venturing out in public. To help instill confidence, medical technology company Epitel has created a new wearable EEG which monitors brain wave activity to help forecast seizures. Using machine learning technology, the Epilog device pairs with users’ smartphones and the cloud, and uses artificial intelligence to predict when a seizure might occur. In doing so, it promises to create an hourly seizure forecast that will allow people with epilepsy (a condition an estimated 1 in 26 people will develop over their lifetime) to plan their day with confidence.

Recommended Videos

“Seizures are [typically] diagnosed through video and EEG monitoring in the hospital with 26-plus wired electrodes,” Mark Lehmkuhle, CEO and CTO of Epitel, told Digital Trends. “Once a diagnosis is made, the standard of care for long-term seizure tracking is literally pen and paper. These analog, old school, and wildly inaccurate ‘seizure diaries’ are what neurologists have based their decisions on for many years. We sought to build a seizure monitoring system that goes to the source – brain waves. Typical EEG is ugly and not usable for long periods outside of a hospital. It is meant to diagnose a seizure disorder and is not meant for long-term seizure tracking. We replace it with a device that is small and wearable.”

Epilog EEG Recording Demo

Lehmkuhle’s background is in biomedical engineering and neuroscience, and Epitel was created as a spin-off from the University of Utah, where some of the background research for the technology took place. Specifically, the research focused on finding better ways to track epileptic seizures since these rarely occur in the hospital where EEGs are typically taken.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

As ever, we recommend that people use caution when it comes to crowdfunding projects, which can sometimes not ship on time, as promised, or occasionally at all. It’s also important to note that, although Epitel has won numerous awards in recent years, this tech still has yet to be officially classified as a medical device by the FDA. (Part of the reason for crowdfunding development is to drive FDA clearance.) Nonetheless, if you’re aware of these risks and still want to get involved, head over to Indiegogo where the project is currently raising funds. A two-pack of the device costs $350, with shipping planned for July 2020.

Luke Dormehl
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I'm a UK-based tech writer covering Cool Tech at Digital Trends. I've also written for Fast Company, Wired, the Guardian…
Hyundai Ioniq 5 sets world record for greatest altitude change
hyundai ioniq 5 world record altitude change mk02 detail kv

When the Guinness World Records (GWR) book was launched in 1955, the idea was to compile facts and figures that could finally settle often endless arguments in the U.K.’s many pubs.

It quickly evolved into a yearly compilation of world records, big and small, including last year's largest grilled cheese sandwich in the world.

Read more
Global EV sales expected to rise 30% in 2025, S&P Global says
ev sales up 30 percent 2025 byd sealion 7 1stbanner l

While trade wars, tariffs, and wavering subsidies are very much in the cards for the auto industry in 2025, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to rise substantially next year, according to S&P Global Mobility.

"2025 is shaping up to be ultra-challenging for the auto industry, as key regional demand factors limit demand potential and the new U.S. administration adds fresh uncertainty from day one," says Colin Couchman, executive director of global light vehicle forecasting for S&P Global Mobility.

Read more
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more