Stroke identification using a portable EEG device - A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

Changes in EEG patterns during stroke are almost immediate; however, a full EEG test takes time and requires highly qualified staff. In this study, we examined whether a short recording using a portable EEG device can differentiate between a stroke and control group.

METHODS

EEG samples were collected from patients with an acute ischemic stroke event. The control group comprised healthy volunteers. EEG recordings were recorded using a portable brain wave sensor device. The Revised Brain Symmetry Index (rsBSI) was used to quantify the symmetry of spectral power between the two hemispheres.

RESULTS

The investigation group included 33 patients (ages 46-96, mean age 72 years, 66% male) who were diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The control group included 25 healthy individuals. Scores for the rsBSI of non-stroke patients (M=0.1686, SD=0.10) differed significantly from those of ischemic stroke patients (P<0.05, M=0.363, SD=0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

A statistically significant difference was observed between a group of stroke patients and a matched group of healthy controls with a short recording using a portable EEG device.