Artificial Intelligence Helps Abrazo Arrowhead Doctors Rapidly Detect Non-Convulsive Seizures

Abrazo Arrowhead Campus in Glendale, Arizona, is transforming neurological care for critically-ill patients with the adoption of the Ceribell System. The electroencephalography (EEG) device powered by artificial intelligence (AI) enables doctors to quickly find and diagnose non-convulsive seizures.

“Non-convulsive seizures are a big challenge in acute care,” says Dr. Laxmi Dhakal, Medical Director of Neurology, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus. “This type of seizure often occurs without obvious signs or symptoms, making them difficult to detect and often delaying treatment. Like convulsive seizures, without prompt management and anti-seizure medication, the situation can rapidly become more difficult to manage, and potentially lead to cognitive morbidity and mortality,” adds Dr. Dhakal.

Non-convulsive seizures are prevalent in patients with conditions such as brain injuries, cardiac arrest and/or stroke. Like with strokes, ‘time is brain’ for seizures. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical as treatment efficacy declines with every hour of delay.

"Adding this advanced brain diagnostic technology with AI to our diagnostic toolkit can save valuable time and change how critically-ill neurology patients are assessed and treated," explains Dr. Sushant Kale, Neurointerventionist and Market Medical Director for Stroke and Interventional Neurology, Abrazo Health.

How does it work? “When or if a patient is clinically suspected of having a non-convulsive seizure, doctors apply a Ceribell headband to the patient’s head at bedside. The AI can detect suspected seizures right away with very high clinical accuracy,” says Dr. Kale.

“At Abrazo Arrowhead, we are committed to advancing healthcare through this type of innovative technology as we continue to deliver high-quality care to our patients in the West Valley,” says Stephen Gardner, CEO, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus.

The technology is not meant to replace conventional EEG monitoring; it’s a complementary solution that enables expanded EEG coverage throughout the hospital, so clinicians can quickly and more accurately diagnose and manage seizures in the acute care setting. In turn, this may help improve patient outcomes.