The Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) therapy is a neurology treatment for People with Epilepsy (PwE) that involves the implantation of an under-the-skin neurostimulator connected to the left vagus nerve. This device periodically generates electric pulses in the brain via the vagus nerve, a procedure that, especially in the case of temporal epilepsy, strongly reduces the impact of seizures, in terms of frequency and criticality. Nowadays, VNS is effective only for a limited population of patients with eclectic characteristics, and it is still unclear what patients are most suitable for such a procedure. Identifying new approaches for predicting the candidates for VNS therapy is thus extremely important for the scientific and clinical communities.

This project involves the analysis of EEG and EKG signals from a population of patients subjected to VNS therapy, considering both the acquisitions before and after the device implantation. Hence, the candidate is asked to develop a new computational framework that can predict the effectiveness of the therapy before its actual execution.

For more information, contact Federico Mason at federico.mason@unipd.it