Smart monitoring system supports post-stroke recovery

“Stroke is a critical condition where prompt diagnosis determines the success of treatment. Post-stroke monitoring is equally important, as the patient’s condition may worsen,” explains Dr. Darius Jegelevičius, a researcher at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania. 

This smart system captures several physiological signals in real time, enabling a detailed analysis of circulatory function: 

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures electrical activity of the heart. 

• Photoplethysmogram (FPG): Detects blood pulse propagation through light interaction with tissue. 

• Inertial sensors: Track physical movements and motor activity. 

• Bioimpedance analysis: Measures resistance in brain tissue to monitor blood flow. 

Bioimpedance measures how easily electrical current passes through tissue — and this varies with blood volume. “We all know that electricity flows better in wet environments – water lowers resistance. The same applies to biological tissue: more blood means lower bioimpedance, less blood means higher,” Jegelevičius explains. 

The system supports both short-term diagnosis and long-term rehabilitation. It operates using a hybrid approach: 

• Simple data, like ECG and FPG signals, are processed directly on the device. 

• Complex tasks, like spatial distribution of bioimpedance across the scalp, are computed externally. 

The device is covered by a European patent and is intended for clinical and potentially at-home use in stroke aftercare. 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)