Menu

Menu controller icon

Walton Institute Research Set to Lead the Way in Smart Clothing for Monitoring Epilepsy Seizures

Posted: 26-03-2024

Tags:

    Walton Institute at South East Technological University (SETU) PhD Researcher Komal Khuwaja recently presented a poster titled, “A Systematic Review of the Literature Reporting on Remote Monitoring Epilepsy Seizure Detection Device” at the prestigious Trinity Health and Education International Research Conference 2024 (THEconf2024).

    New Horizon in Healthcare

    THEconf2024’s theme was, “New Horizon in Healthcare: Global Impact, Local Relevance, and was held from March 5th to 7th at Trinity College Dublin. The conference is designed to showcase and discuss the latest cutting-edge research in health and healthcare education. 

    Komal’s poster focused on her research: state-of-the-art of digital devices utilised for monitoring epilepsy seizures; and specifically, the limitations and research gaps present in existing devices – such as those that make use of gel-based electrodes. Although these devices have advantages in monitoring seizures, there can often be issues with skin irritation and discomfort when using them for extended periods. As a solution, Komal’s research seeks to develop intelligent embroidered sensors intended for epilepsy monitoring. By providing a more comfy and long-lasting solution, these sensors seek to overcome the drawbacks of the existing technologies. 

    The goal then is to monitor seizure activity accurately and comfortably for users over the long term.

    Komal stands next to her poster at the prestigious Trinity Health and Education International Research Conference 2024 (THEconf2024).

    Thought-provoking exercise

    Komal says, “I find the research area of Smart clothing design and embroidered sensors to be exciting fields of study. Creating fashionable garments and experimenting with different embroidery designs is not only a thought-provoking exercise but also has a great deal of possibilities for solving practical problems. Particularly in the field of healthcare, working on creative ideas that could improve people’s lives is rewarding. It is exciting and gratifying to have the chance to lead the way in developing smart embroidered sensors that are both comfortable and effective in improving epilepsy monitoring.”

    Komal’s research was supported by Dr. Louise Bennett, Department of Nursing and Healthcare at SETU; Dr. Frances Cleary, Head of Division – Mobile Ecosystem and Pervasive Sensing (MEPS) Division; and John Wells, School of Health Sciences at SETU. “Their guidance and expertise have been instrumental in shaping this research,” Komal says. “This opportunity to contribute to the discourse in healthcare has been enriching, and I am excited about the potential implications of our findings.”

    Komal’s poster, titled: “A Systematic Review of the Literature Reporting on Remote Monitoring Epilepsy Seizure Detection Device.”

    Learn more about Walton Institute’s eTextiles and Smart Materials research here