Pediatric-specific disposable EEG cap

When we think of electroencephalogram (EEG) devices and the need for brain scans and diagnostics to locate potential mental disorders, we don’t always associate them with children and the developing mind. To make this an available solution, the team at Brain Scientific began work to create the first disposable EEG device for pediatric patients.

It appeared to be a simple task; downsize its current EEG NeuroCap to fit children and teens while shortening the test time to about 10 minutes compared to 30 minutes. The process, however, proved challenging.

First there was the time-intensive task of drawing up designs and handing them off for about four months to be manufactured. From there, testing took place for a few months and new suggestions arose. Then the NeuroCap had to be returned to the manufacturer for several months to make any necessary changes before undergoing further testing and suggestions.

Typical back and forth is to be expected to ensure the product achieves FDA approval, however, the process grew more extensive due to COVID-19 disruptions. Brainstorming sessions via video conferencing don’t bear the same fruit as intensive in-person discussions. Additionally, all manufacturing instructions had to be perfectly described since there were no in-person events to discuss any shorthand or gray areas in production.

There were also several periods when the manufacturer was shut down due to the pandemic, and even after it reopened, one supplier was forced to shut down, halting any progress they were hoping to achieve. Together, these circumstances caused much longer production time than expected.

It was key to not get too bogged down with the timing. The product is the first of its kind, so the developer had to ensure that its technological processes are airtight, but couldn’t take too long to let a competitor introduce a similar product first.

Now available on the market, the pediatric NeuroCap could aid in diagnosing autism and could be beneficial for treating pediatric epilepsy, which is one of the most common neurological disorders seen in children. The disposable EEG headset features 22 pre-gelled electrodes, 19 active EEG channels, and removes the time-consuming task of measuring/marking the patient’s head. The comfortable design and prompt test results make the NeuroCap ideal for pediatric patients.

Brain Scientific
https://www.brainscientific.com

About the author: Boris Goldstein is co-founder and executive chairman of MemoryMD/Brain Scientific.