Intelligent analysis for electroencephalogram reporting for neonatal brain health
The INSIGHT project is a collaboration between University of Twente (UT), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), and NeuroBell, focused on improving neonatal brain health. We will develop an explainable AI algorithm for a portable EEG monitoring system, enhancing early detection of neurological abnormalities in newborns. By combining academic expertise with industry innovation, INSIGHT aims to create an affordable, efficient EEG screening tool for clinicians.
Neurological conditions in newborns can cause lifelong disabilities if not diagnosed early. Around 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, many at risk of seizures and brain injuries. Current hospital-based EEG systems are expensive (€30,000–€40,000), require specialized staff, and are difficult to set up, making them inaccessible for routine screening. The Netherlands has 9 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) with ~195 beds, where improved EEG monitoring could enhance care and reduce costs. NeuroBell’s portable, wireless EEG device (€10,000 per year) offers a more affordable 8-channel solution, improving accessibility and efficiency in Dutch hospitals.
The INSIGHT project will develop explainable AI algorithms to detect critical neurological events using graph neural networks (GNN). A GNN-based model is proposed to incorporate interdependencies between EEG leads. Explainable AI development will aid in decision interpretation for diagnoses and to generate automated summary reports from EEG recordings. The AI model will be integrated into NeuroBell’s portable EEG device, with an intuitive dashboard to assist clinicians in decision-making. The system will be tested in real-world clinical settings with 10 neonates, ensuring usability and effectiveness.
This project will result in an AI-powered EEG system that enables early diagnosis and intervention, leading to better health outcomes. Findings from the clinical needs assessment and explainable AI algorithm will be shared through publications, strengthening knowledge infrastructure. The project will also support NeuroBell’s commercialization efforts, making neonatal neurological screening more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective.
