Title : Accessible solar-compatible Electroencephalogram (EEG) for rural epilepsy diagnostics
Abstract:
This project evaluates the feasibility of a low-cost, solar-compatible, open-source EEG system tailored for rural and underserved regions with high epilepsy burdens. Worldwide, epilepsy prevalence is highest in regions with limited access to healthcare infrastructure, particularly in developing countries with limited neurological care and prevalent comorbidities for seizure disorders. Yet diagnostic tools like EEGs remain prohibitively expensive and logistically complex for use in low-resource settings.
To address this gap, we developed a modular EEG system using the OpenBCI platform, designed for remote sites, powered by an affordable monocrystalline solar panel and lithium-ion storage for sustainable, portable use. With open-source 3D-printable components and instructions available online, the device can be assembled and maintained locally at a materials cost under $300—orders of magnitude lower than conventional systems that range from $12,000 to over $15,000. We used accessible 3D printers and documented the expenditures, making a template for engineers and interested clinicians working in rural areas to use.
We assembled and tested the system’s recording and visualization capabilities in a simulated clinical environment, using ourselves as first participants and exploring comfort and usability concerns. Data acquisition was confirmed using multichannel EEG signals processed through OpenBCI’s program, demonstrating reliable output comparable to entry-level commercial systems.
Next steps involve deploying the system in field settings to assess usability by frontline healthcare workers, verify clinical signal quality, and explore how accessible diagnostics might reduce stigma surrounding epilepsy in low-literacy communities. Long-term goals include AI-based offline seizure detection and integration into community-based neurological care. This model offers a promising step toward equitable neurological diagnostics worldwide.
