Machine Learning Based Seizure Classification and Digital Biosignal Analysis of ECT Seizures: New Dataset From Germany

 Out on PubMed, from researchers in Germany, is this paper:

Machine learning based seizure classification and digital biosignal analysis of ECT seizures.

Kayser M, Hurlemann R, Philipsen A, Freundlieb N, Kiebs M.Sci Rep. 2025 Feb 21;15(1):6409. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-88238-3.PMID: 39984540

The abstract is copied below:

While artificial intelligence has received considerable attention in various medical fields, its application in the field of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains rather limited. With the advent of digital seizure collection systems, the development of novel ECT seizure quality metrics and treatment guidance systems in particular will require cutting-edge digital seizure analysis. Using artificial intelligence will offer more analytical degrees of freedom and could play a key role in enhancing the precision of currently available procedures. To this end, we developed the first machine learning (ML) framework that can classify ictal and non-ictal EEG segments, accurately identifying seizure endpoints-a critical step in deriving seizure quality parameters-and computing these metrics at least as reliable as existing precomputed scores. The ML model retained in this study effectively discriminated ictal from non-ictal EEG segments with 89% accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. The reproduced ECT quality parameters showed correlations up to ϱ = 0.99 (p < 0.01) with the pre-calculated values from the stimulation device and did not significantly differ from the reference values. Mean seizure duration differences were 0.23 ± 15.59 s compared to the expert rater and 0.28 ± 16.19 s compared to the stimulation device. The study highlights the potential of integrating ML into the field of ECT and emphasizes the critical role of a highly sensitive seizure detection method in reliably determining seizure duration and deriving subsequent quality indices, paving the way for more individualized treatment strategies and novel approaches to determine seizure quality.

The paper is here.

And from the text:

Fans of machine learning will love this paper.

It is math- and methods-heavy, with just a soupcon of potential clinical relevance. Maybe having a machine reliably interpret the EEG output from an ECT device will be slightly helpful, but IMO this is a technology looking for a problem where none exists. With a modicum of clinical experience, and adequate attention paid to set up technique, there should be little mystery in interpreting the EEG in ECT. Perhaps a well made 10-minute instructional video instead would do the trick.

Better to spend the time, effort and resources in trying to reduce the stigma surrounding ECT...