In this article:
- Seizures are sudden, uncolntrolled electrical actvity in the brain and are typically associated with convulsions, shaking and other obvious symptoms, but some seizures are non-convulsive and less obvious. This type of seizure is called status epilepticus.
- Seizures have many causes and if left untreated can cause brain damage. Previously, diagnosing non-convulsive seizures required significant, time-comsuming tests.
- Providence Swedish is home to Ceribell, a new technology which can diagnose these seizures quickly to speed up treatment and, in some cases, recovery.
- Watch this short video to learn more from a Providence Swedish neurocritical care expert.
Many of us have seen a person having a seizure and are unlikely to forget it. But did you know that some seizures are silent and undetectable? These non-convulsive seizures, called status eplepticus, are caused by any number of conditions or serious illnesses and can result in severe neurological damage. Until recently, they were difficult to diagnose without extensive, time-consuming tests.. But a new device called Ceribell is being used by care teams at Providence Swedish to quickly diagnose and treat patients having these types of seizures. Because “time is brain” in neurocritical care, Ceribell is helping patients receive faster treatment and in some cases speed recovery.
Allie Massaro, M.D., medical director of neuro intensive care at Providence Swedish, was a recent guest on KING 5's New Day Northwest, where she discussed Ceribell. Providence Swedish was the first health system in King County to have this Artificial Intelligence-based technology. Fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Ceribell is a lightweight headband attached to a smartphone-sized device that reads brainwaves in real time. This allows care teams to make quick diagnoses and treatment decisions.
Watch the short video below to learn more about Ceribell and what makes Providence Swedish home to some of the nation's best neurocritical care.
Dr. Allie Massaro (at left), Providence Swedish's medical director of neurocritical care, discussed new seizure detection technology with host Amity Addrisi (at right) on a recent edition of KING 5's New Day Northwest.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced care practitioner (ACP)
Visit our website to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our experts at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute. We offer comprehensive, progressive diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of spine, brain and central nervous system conditions. Telehealth options are available.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. You can also connect virtually with your provider to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
Time is brain: new technology is a game-changer for patients with seizures
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Keep your young athlete safe. Know the signs of a concussion.
Providence Swedish earns national recognitions from American Heart Association
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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