EpiScalp could reduce misdiagnosis of epilepsy

By uncovering hidden epilepsy signatures in seemingly normal electroencephalograms (EEGs), the tool developed at Johns Hopkins University could significantly reduce false positives - seen in around 30 per cent of cases globally - and spare patients from medication side effects, driving restrictions, and other quality-of-life challenges linked to misdiagnoses.

“Even when EEGs appear completely normal, our tool provides insights that make them actionable,” said research lead Sridevi V. Sarma, a Johns Hopkins biomedical engineering professor. “We can get to the right diagnosis three times faster because patients often need multiple EEGs before abnormalities are detected, even if they have epilepsy. Accurate early diagnosis means a quicker path to effective treatment.”

A report of the work is published in Annals of Neurology.

Epilepsy causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures triggered by bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Standard care involves scalp EEG recordings during initial evaluations. These tests track brainwave patterns using small electrodes placed on the scalp.