System and method for diagnosing and notification regarding the onset of a stroke
Inventors
Sheth, Kevin N. • Zaveri, Hitten P. • Coifman, Ronald R.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12357244-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Expiration Date
2037-01-12
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Abstract
A real-time automated method to diagnose and/or detect stroke and engage the patient, care-takers, emergency medical system and stroke neurologists in the management of this condition includes the steps of continuously measuring natural limb activity, conveying the measurements to a cloud based real-time data processing system, identifying patient specific alert conditions, and determining solutions for acting upon needs of the patient. The system by which the method is implemented includes at least one body worn sensor continuously measuring natural limb activity and a patient worn data transmission device conveying the measurements to a cloud based real-time data processing system that identities patient specific alert conditions and determines solutions for acting upon needs of the patient.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a real-time automated method and system to diagnose and detect the onset of a stroke by continuously measuring natural limb activity using body worn sensors and conveying these measurements to a cloud based real-time data processing system. This system identifies patient specific alert conditions by comparing current limb activity to a pre-established patient specific limb activity signature obtained through aggregation of data collected over days, weeks, and months. It then determines solutions to act upon the patient's needs, including activation of emergency medical response and transport to appropriate medical facilities.
The problem being solved addresses the critical gap in timely diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke, a leading cause of death and disability. Despite available therapies such as intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), administration rates remain extremely low due to delayed recognition and intervention. Existing strategies like telemedicine consultations and mobile CT scanners are costly, inefficient, and have not significantly improved treatment rates. The invention aims to provide real-time detection and notification mechanisms that engage patients, caretakers, emergency medical systems, and stroke neurologists to dramatically reduce the time to definitive therapy.
Claims Coverage
The claims define several inventive features centered on a real-time automated method for stroke diagnosis and detection, utilizing body worn sensors and cloud based data processing to identify patient specific alert conditions and initiate appropriate medical response.
Continuous measurement of limb activity using body worn sensors
The method includes continuously measuring natural limb activity through a plurality of body worn sensors positioned on the patient's limbs to capture motion data.
Cloud based real-time processing and identification of alert conditions
Measurements are conveyed to a cloud based real-time data processing system that continuously processes sensor data to detect anomalous asymmetry in limb activity indicative of potential stroke onset by comparing current movements to previously established patient specific limb activity signatures.
Determining solutions including emergency medical activation and transport
Upon identifying patient specific alert conditions, the system determines solutions that include activating an emergency medical response system and arranging transport of the patient to a Neocritical Care Unit or emergency room for urgent evaluation and treatment.
These inventive features collectively enable a real-time, patient-specific automated approach to diagnosing stroke through motion analysis, alerting relevant parties, and facilitating rapid medical intervention to improve stroke outcomes.
Stated Advantages
Dramatically shortens the time to definitive therapy for stroke patients by enabling real-time automated diagnosis and notification.
Provides patient-specific continuous monitoring and detection of stroke onset through advanced limb activity analysis, improving detection sensitivity and specificity.
Facilitates rapid engagement of emergency medical systems and stroke neurologists, potentially increasing eligibility and efficacy of acute stroke treatments.
Enables quantification of neurological deficits and success of rehabilitation efforts, contributing to improved patient management.
Documented Applications
Real-time diagnosis and detection of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke to activate acute stroke protocols and emergency medical responses.
Monitoring of individuals predisposed to stroke, including those with a history of stroke, hypertension, or family history, through continuous limb activity measurements.
Quantification of focal neurological deficits resulting from acute central nervous system injury and their rehabilitation progress.
Potential application as a surrogate measure for overall well-being and detection of changes in activity levels related to neurological and psychiatric illnesses such as psychoses, depression, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinsonism.
Remote quantitative neurological examinations and telemedicine applications through monitoring of stereotyped limb movements.
Integration with gaming devices and smartphone apps to collect limb activity data and detect subtle movement disorders during gameplay.
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