CMU Neural Engineering Virtual Seminars
Seminar Title: Decrypting the Signals: Advancing EEG Analysis to Improve Epilepsy Surgery Outcomes
Speaker: Dr. Eleonora Tamilia, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Director of the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Signal and Data Science, Boston Children’s Hospital
Abstract: Accurate localization of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) is critical for successful epilepsy surgery, yet current methods often fall short in predicting outcomes. Traditional approaches rely heavily on capturing seizures, which can be time-consuming and inconsistent. This talk will explore advancements in EEG analysis, leveraging novel biomarkers such as low-entropy patterns, high-frequency oscillations, and network-based metrics to enhance EZ localization. By integrating functional connectivity and network analysis, we can move beyond detection of local patterns to a more systems-level understanding of seizure-generating networks. I will present advanced signal processing techniques that reveal clinically relevant patterns invisible to the human eye, providing a new perspective on EEG analysis. Leveraging computational techniques and AI-driven models, we aim to refine EZ localization and improve seizure outcome predictions in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. I will discuss the challenges of traditional EEG markers and the potential for these advanced biomarkers to be integrated into clinical decision-making. By bridging neurophysiology, engineering, and clinical practice, these innovations offer a transformative approach to epilepsy surgery, ultimately improving outcomes for pediatric patients.
About the Speaker: Eleonora Tamilia, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) Signal and Data Science at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH). She is also a faculty member of the Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center and the Clinical MEG Program at BCH. Dr. Tamilia earned her PhD, MS and BS in Biomedical Engineering in Rome (Italy) and completed her postdoctoral training at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. An expert in biomedical signal processing, her research focuses on neurodevelopment and neurological disorders, with a particular emphasis on epilepsy. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications and more than 1,000 citations, Dr. Tamilia has advanced translational epilepsy research by developing innovative methods for analyzing scalp EEG, intracranial EEG, and MEG. Her work has been integrated into clinical workflows to enhance surgical planning for epilepsy patients, using quantitative approaches to identify critical EEG biomarkers.