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Seizure-Monitoring Belt Sends Wireless Alert

Rice University bioengineering students have created a belt that detects increased electrical conductance in the skin and changes in respiration rate - both signs that an epileptic seizure is underway. The belt is designed for children ages six and up, and alerts are sent wirelessly to the caregiver. It has two silver/silver chloride electrodes positioned on the torso to sense electrical conductivity, and another sensor monitors breathing. The sensors are attached to a removable electronic module that acquires and transmits the signals. When the sensors show signs of a seizure, the transmitter sends data via Bluetooth to either a computer or smartphone.