TeleEEG - helping those with epilepsy

My name is Saul and I am a doctor in Scotland. I am running the Great Scottish Run (Half Marathon) on October 1st 2023 in support of the charity, TeleEEG.

What is TeleEEG?

EEG stands for "electroencephalogram". EEG helps in the diagnosis of epilepsy. EEG machines are now small enough, portable and inexpensive. They can be installed in most clinics in need. Similarly local staff can be trained to apply EEG electrodes to a patient's scalp and carry out a good quality routine EEG recording. However, there are not enough people in the world trained to interpret the EEG recording. With the establishment of global communications through the Internet this problem can be rectified. EEG files can be uploaded to a server and then download by a qualified EEG interpreter anywhere in the world. The EEG can be read and reported on immediately.

At TeleEEG, we provide EEG equipment to epilepsy clinics in the developing world and our specialist doctors volunteer their time and skills to interpret the EEGs and send the reports back to the clinics.

Proof of concept of TeleEEG was provided in a novel service for remote EEG reporting for a hospital in Truro, Cornwall, UK in 2011. The first of our TeleEEG services in the developing world was set up in Dhulikhel Hospital outside Kathmandu in Nepal in 2012. Since then the service has grown exponentially and includes many clinics in Central and South America, Africa and Asia. Over 20,000 TeleEEG interpretations have been carried out to date.

More information can be found on the website https://www.teleeeg.org/

Why is epilepsy important?

More than 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy. More than 80% of these people live in low or middle income countries. In these countries up to 90% of people with epilepsy are not given the correct treatment. This is called the Treatment Gap. We aim to close this gap with the help of accurate epilepsy diagnosis through TeleEEG and hence well-tailored drug treatment.

What will the funds be used for?

The funds raised from this event will be used to purchase EEG equipment. In addition, this money will support expeditions to these underdeveloped countries to deliver equipment and provide expert training to their local healthcare staff.

We rely on generous donations, such as yours, to continue this crucial work.

Do you want to join me in making a difference?

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that provides such vital care to those who need it most.