Decision support systems, assistance systems and telemedicine in epileptology

Abstract

Background: Scientific knowledge about epilepsies and their clinical ramifications is rapidly expanding. This becomes an even greater challenge for non-specialists to process. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can play an important role as an expert-driven diagnostic and therapeutic tool which gives automated and individualized advice. In addition, medical apps and telemedical procedures for diagnostics and treatment and assistance systems for seizure detection in epilepsy patients have become available. Objective: This article provides an overview on current tele-epileptological developments and the available telemedical applications. Material and methods: Based on personal experience and a review of the literature, current epilepsy-specific CDSS, medical apps and assistance systems as well as telemedical applications are characterized and the clinical fields of application are presented. Results and conclusion: Due to the chronic course and the complexity of the epilepsies and their sequelae, persons with epilepsy could profit from CDSS. Epilepsy-specific CDSS should be usable by medical professionals and patients themselves. Currently, medical apps for people with epilepsy are mostly used to document the clinical course, seizure frequency, medication compliance and side effects. Available seizure detection systems mainly detect generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). A clinical benefit of such devices is not yet sufficiently confirmed but appears to be likely, because these seizures are specifically associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP) and interventions are considered to be effective.