Method and apparatus for assessing susceptibility to stroke

Abstract

A method and apparatus is described herein for assessing the susceptibility of a patient to stroke. The method begins with the step of collecting electrical signals from the brain of the patient under assessment. Signal data corresponding to the collected electrical signals is then compared to at least one standard. In an embodiment of the invention, the standard represents a neural electrical signal taken from a person known to be susceptible to stroke. A positive comparison result suggests susceptibility of the patient under assessment to stroke. Moreover, the comparison result can be used to characterize the pattern of neural blood flow and the degree of susceptibility to stroke. A strong similarity to a standard taken from another patient of known susceptibility suggests that the patient under assessment is experiencing similar neural blood flow and is susceptible to stroke to a similar degree. This information, in turn, can be used to determine both the need for additional testing and/or the appropriate type and extent of therapy. In an alternative embodiment, the standard represents a neural electrical signal taken from the patient under assessment at an earlier point in time. A positive comparison in this case suggests that the condition of the patient under assessment has not changed. A negative comparison result suggests that the neural electrical activity of the patient under assessment has changed, implying possible changes in neural blood flow. This in turn can suggest susceptibility to stroke and the need for additional tests and/or for pharmaceutical or other therapy. The apparatus for collection of electrical signals from the brain includes a headcap with electrodes concentrated in an area corresponding to a particular cranial region of interest.