Preferred Biosignals to Predict Migraine Attack

Abstract

Abstract. Migraine is classified to two classes, with aura and without aura, and migraine seizures last usually several hours. The goal of this study was to identify the most important symptoms of migraine to be monitored by wearable sensors to predict the migraine attack. The purpose of wearable sensors is to guide patients to take the migraine medication in time, and to support their own care. Self-measurement is a growing trend worldwide and sensor technology has been used for several years in activity wristbands, smartphones, rings, mobile phones, and mobile applications. The study was conducted as an operational study, randomised for those who had been diagnosed with migraine by a doctor. The study was divided into two parts, at first a questionnaire was sent to 17 people in social media. On the basis of the questionnaire, a qualitative interview was conducted for 12 persons with migraine. Responses to the questionnaire were compared to the results of the interview, and the answers to the research questions were sought. Migraine patients considered important that device reports quality of sleep, pulse, blood pressure, stress levels, sleep apnea, and energy consumption.

On assumed usefulness of wearable sensors in early recognition of migraine attacks perceived by patients

“…Kari et al [25] referred to Warraich's [12] remarks on early user participation and different set of user requirements as one motivation of their study on understanding of how people use and perceive wellness technology in their everyday lives. Huttunen and Halonen [3] focused on technology-supported self-tracking in case of migraine by studying the bio-signals preferred by migraine patients for predicting an incoming migraine attack.…”

“…Due to the economic costs caused by migraine, solutions for migraine self-care should be developed [33]. The development of a new medical wearable device for migraine patients should consider bio-signals of sleep quality, stress level, sleep rhythm, energy consumption, pulse, and blood pressure [3]. Bio-signals provide useful information for humans on physiological changes, and migraine patients are interested in using smart devices in their daily lives to monitor their everyday living [34], and disease prediction [5].…”

“…Bio-signals provide useful information for humans on physiological changes, and migraine patients are interested in using smart devices in their daily lives to monitor their everyday living [34], and disease prediction [5]. The information provided by the sensors helps patients in their own care, provides feedback and enables disease monitoring [3,24,34].…”

“…New wireless technology creates opportunities for monitoring vital signs with wearable biomedical sensors [1]. This concept used in medicine has spread to patient care, where new wearable computing is supposed to improve migraine patient's quality of life and life management by providing the patients with an early warning of an oncoming attack [2,3].…”

“…The aim is to give the patient freedom of movement and to improve the quality of life in which he can carry out normal activities but is constantly under constant supervision [4,5]. In addition, mobility improves quality of life, and the patients can continue their normal daily routines [1] or go to work [3].…”