This story now has a personal interest to me- I have recently been suffering from seizures and have now been referred to a neurologist to investigate the possibility of having epilepsy.
A new implant in the brain can warn of seizures minutes before they occur. Without this, epilepsy is incredibly unpredictable- putting people with the condition at risk, it is hazardous and disruptive. The warning of an imminent seizure helps sufferers stay safe.
Seizures can be described like earthquakes: you can't prevent them from happening, but if you predict them you can prepare to mitigate the effects. The implant is a patch of electrodes that measure brainwaves- it learns patterns of activity that indicate a seizure is about to happen. As this happens, the implant signals to a receiver implanted under the collarbone; alerting the person activating a handheld device with warning lights.
This means an enormous change in the independence and confidence of sufferers.
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