Aremco are leaders in the field of providing monitoring systems for detection of symptoms which may be associated with epileptic seizures. This latest development is a major contribution to the care of those suffering from epilepsy and other disorders.

It is often necessary to use multi-functional symptom detectors to increase the possibility of detecting seizures, which can vary in pattern and type between different persons and even for one individual over a period of time.

The awareness of the risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) leads to a requirement for extra backup alarm systems, such as those based on detection of bedtime cessation of breathing. The risk in the general epileptic population is about 1 in 1000 per year. For those with severe epilepsy the risk increases to about 1 in about 200 to 300. The need to determine the effectiveness of medication also prompts the use of monitoring systems.

The Aremco Multifunction monitor incorporates various functions within a single compact device. There is a liquid crystal display screen with back lighting and a touch-sensitive keypad for ease of operation.

During an alarm condition, a highly visible red alarm light flashes on the top of the monitor. An audible alarm can also be enabled, if required. There are a number of screen displays which provide operational details and allow adjustment of the various monitor functions. The monitor can be pre-set to the particular requirements of the user with as much or as little user/carer control as required.

DETECTION FUNCTIONS AVAILABLE

Depending on the sensor systems selected, any combination of the following detection functions can be included.

BED TIME BODY SPASMS

Using the movement sensor plate, a seizure alarm can be set to activate whenever spasms have an energy which is greater than a pre-set detection level and faster than a pre-set rate, as well as lasting for at least a pre-set alarm time delay period.

BODY BREATHING MOVEMENTS (ASSOCIATED WITH RES PIRATION) When the Monitor has detected a pattern of breathing movements via the sensor plate, this is indicated on the display. The monitor can be pre-set to detect cessation of breathing for periods of as short as 10 seconds or to as long as 60 seconds. The detection of respiration has an adjustable sensitivity threshold to compensate for variations in thickness, structure and composition of the mattress and the depth and degree of the user's breathing movements. This detection circuit will provide an automatic bed leaving alarm when the bed is vacated. If this feature is not required and the user cannot switch the alarm circuit off and on again, a bed occupancy detection sensor and relay circuit can be provided to cause a temporary disablement of the breathing alarm circuit while the bed is unoccupied.

RESPIRATION RATE

The monitor keeps track of the respiration rate and the display is updated every 10 seconds. Fast or Slow breathing rate alarms can be set to operate if the breathing rate detected falls outside pre-set limits.

TRANSIENT SOUNDS

A microphone is located in the top of the monitor enclosure. The monitor is designed to react only to transient or noncontinuous sounds, in order to eliminate the effect of background noises such as ventilation systems. The alarm is activated when a set number of transient sounds above a pre-set sound level occur within a pre-set time period. For example, it can be set to respond to a baby crying or personal vocalisations or to calls for help.

BODY FLUIDS (Perspiration and urination)

Excessive perspiration or bed wetting with urine can be a consequence of an epileptic seizure. A moisture detection sensor positioned under the bed sheet can activate an alarm if dampened with a fluid of sufficient electrical conductivity. The sensitivity to the conductivity of the fluid required to trigger the alarm can be adjusted in 5 steps between perspiration, which is least conductive, and urine, which is most conductive.

PILLOW MOISTURE (Saliva or vomit)

A moisture detection sensor positioned under the pillow cover can activate an alarm if it becomes dampened by a fluid of sufficient electrical conductivity. The sensitivity to the conductivity of the fluid required to trigger the alarm can be adjusted in 5 steps between saliva, which is least conductive, and vomit, which is most conductive.

BED OCCUPANCY

It is often necessary to know whether a person in care has vacated the bed. The use of a bed occupancy sensor connected to the monitor provides a bed leaving alarm function. It can also be used to prevent the respiration monitor from activating an alarm when a bed is vacated. The sensor can be either the Bedwatch device for location under a bed leg or a pressure sensitive mat for use in the bed underneath the user.

DISTRESS CALL

A call button switch can be plugged into the monitor which, when pressed manually by the user, will create an alarm condition.

AUXILIARY ALARM

This function enables a switch signal from an external device to be routed through the monitor and its alarm circuits.

MULTIFUNCTION ALARM OUTPUT

The monitor has a multi-purpose alarm output socket which can be used with a variety of wired connections to alternative alarm circuits e.g. nurse call systems, remote alarms, telephone autodiallers etc.

BATTERY BACKUP

The monitor is fitted with a back-up battery to supply power in the event of power failure via the AC Adaptor. The battery charge condition and performance is continually checked and battery charging occurs automatically with an indication when the battery is no longer serviceable. A battery level indicator shows the percentage of charge remaining in the battery.

INTEGRAL VISIBLE AND AUDIBLE ALARM

A highly visible red light on the monitor is always activated by the various alarm situations. In multiple use situations in a hospital ward it allows rapid identification of which user requires attention. The exact reason for the alarm is always displayed on the illuminated display screen. The monitor also has an in-built audible alarm that can be disabled to remain silent if not required.

RADIO TRANSMITTER (OPTIONAL)

The monitor can be supplied with an integral radio transmitter, if required. Alarm data can then be transmitted to a remote portable radio text pager or a computer monitoring station. The transmitted information includes the status of all the alarm conditions, the breathing rate and the monitor identification number. Each transmission is secured with an error checking code to protect the integrity of the data. Signals are sent every few seconds at randomised intervals to maximise the probability of receiving the information. The receiving device is able to give a warning in the event of a radio-link failure.

SPECIFICATIONS

Inputs

Outputs

Cessation of breathing alarm

Seizure alarm