The challenge
Improving brain monitoring technology
Being able to rapidly, non-invasively diagnose the location of irregular brain activity such as a stroke is critically important for increasing the chance of survival and recovery of a patient. Standard monitoring technology such as MRI, specialised X-ray CT or conventional EEG are expensive, complex and have possible side effects.
Our response
Research into 3D imaging
CSIRO has over 50 years of expertise in 3D reconstruction algorithms and software, including cutting-edge mathematical approaches to image reconstruction and analysis from sparse and noisy data.
Atomic structure of the Alzheimer's disease Amyloid-β protein caged by four shark antibodies to stop uncontrolled amyloid plaque formation. Four interacting Amyloid-β fragments are outlined by gray atomic spheres.
The science to transform 2D EEG data registered on the surface of the skull into 3D- localisation of electrical activity in the brain can now be achieved using EPOC, a low cost wireless headset produced by Emotiv.
This novel consumer device has a number of critical advantages over existing medical EEG devices: it is around 100 times cheaper, requires no specialist knowledge from the user, fits all human head sizes and is wireless, greatly increasing the flexibility of its usage.
At CSIRO, we are conducting research into 3D image reconstruction from surface EEG data and into specific medical applications of the obtained information.
The results
Mapping brain activity
Our research has led to the first version of user friendly software capable of 3D localised imaging of electrical activity in the brain from surface EEG signals. We are now starting pilot studies in collaboration with medical specialists at a major Australian hospital in order to validate this technology for specific medical applications.
This technology has the exciting possibilities to diagnose and monitor brain disorders like epilepsy, stroke, autism, depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and others.
Through the use of EPOC EEG headsets and our software we can achieve automated data collection and transmission over mobile and internet providers to central servers, where it can be accessed and analysed by physicians.