Subcutaneous EEG Warning System for Hypoglycemia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for predicting and warning of hypoglycaemic attacks in diabetics are complex, requiring analysis of both ECG and EEG signals, leading to high hardware demands and instability, making them unsuitable for daily use.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize analysis of EEG signals alone to predict hypoglycaemic attacks, reducing the number of electrodes and processing power, with EEG electrodes placed intracranially or subcutaneously for stable signal detection, and a subcutaneously integrated signal processing unit for a portable and robust alarm system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If both ECG and EEG signals are analyzed for hypoglycaemic attack prediction, then the prediction accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and processing power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and uses only the EEG signal component for hypoglycaemic attack prediction, eliminating the ECG signal analysis. This selective extraction maintains the ability to detect pre-seizure characteristic changes (decrease in frequency and increase in amplitude) while significantly reducing device complexity and processing requirements compared to analyzing both ECG and EEG signals simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If both ECG and EEG signals are analyzed for hypoglycaemic attack prediction, then the prediction accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the power-consuming ECG signal analysis component and retains only EEG signal processing. The EEG analysis focuses on detecting characteristic frequency decrease and amplitude increase patterns, which requires significantly less processing power and energy consumption compared to simultaneous ECG and EEG analysis, making the device suitable for portable and implantable applications
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used for ECG and EEG signal collection, then the signal quality is improved, but the product size and applicability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for ECG electrodes and uses only EEG electrodes for signal collection. This reduction in electrode number simplifies the application process, makes the device more portable and easier to operate in daily life, while still maintaining sufficient signal quality through focused EEG analysis of pre-seizure characteristic changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places emphasis on the quality and strategic placement of EEG electrodes rather than using numerous electrodes. By focusing on detecting specific characteristic changes in EEG signals (frequency and amplitude variations), the system achieves reliable prediction with a reduced electrode configuration, improving ease of operation and daily applicability
4Measurement precision
If the product complexity is increased to include both ECG and EEG analysis, then the prediction capability is improved, but the product stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the EEG signal pathway, removing the ECG analysis component that introduces additional complexity and potential failure points. This streamlined approach focuses on detecting characteristic EEG changes (frequency decrease and amplitude increase) associated with hypoglycaemic attacks, thereby improving product stability and reliability while maintaining effective prediction capability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a method and device for warning of hypoglycaemic attacks, which is a big problem for especially diabetics, who are in insulin treatment. It is estimated that about 1 million people have a decreased quality of life as a result of hypoglycaemic attacks. The invention collects EEG signals from people, who must be supervised and analyses these in order to detect characteristic changes in the EEG signals, which occurs in advance of a hypoglycaemic attack. In a preferred embodiment the EEG signals are collected with subcutaneously placed electrodes and the signals are lead via wires drawn under the person's skin to a similar subcutaneously placed signal processing unit. The signal processing analyses the EEG signals and when the pre-seizure characteristics signal changes are detected, a warning signal is given to the person from an alarm giver build into the signal processing unit, e.g. in form of a vibrator. When a person detects a warning signal, the person can prevent the hypoglycaemic attack by e.g. consuming a sugary food.