Cerebrospinal impedance measurement for early detection of epileptic seizures

Ongoing research involves the simultaneous measurement of calcium, potassium and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) impedance prior to penicillin-induced epileptic seizures in anesthesized cats. Previous studies have shown a two- to threefold increase in CSF impedance 5-15 minutes prior and during seizure activity. CSF measurements are an integrated measurement of ionic concentrations in the extracellular space and reveal no direct information on specific ionic activity. By using CSF impedance as the basis for the onset of seizure activity, the simultaneous measurement of calcium and potassium provides an analysis for the timing and amplitude of specific ionic shifts in the generation of epileptic seizures.<>