Parkinson’s could soon be detected early using a diagnostic pen.
Meanwhile, in Portugal a startup has developed a table lamp that monitors epileptic fits. Seizures present a particular risk at night with some 86% going undetected during sleep.
An infrared light sensor in the lamp registers movements and an algorithm analyses any data recorded. If movement patterns are consistent with generalised or focal-bilateral seizures, notifications are sent to a designated mobile phone.
The detection rate for tonic-clonic seizures is 99.76%. In privacy mode, only movement outlines are recorded so data can be stored without revealing identifiable personal characteristics.
The technology is currently awaiting certification as a medical device.
Seizures triggered by flickering waves could be prevented with special glasses.
