AI software for electroencephalogram (EEG) interpretation in epilepsy

Status:

In progress

Technology type:

Device

Decision:

Selected

Reason for decision:

Anticipate the topic will be of importance to patients, carers, professionals, commissioners and the health of the public to ensure clinical benefit is realised, inequalities in use addressed, and help them make the best use of NHS resources

Description:

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of brain activity. It is used to support detecting and assessing epilepsy. The test can help identify the type of epilepsy, what may be triggering the seizures and how best to treat the condition. Conducting and interpreting EEGs needs to be done by specially trained clinicians. The test generates large amounts of results data and interpreting this takes time. The specialist capacity available to conduct and interpret EEGs varies in different parts of the country and so the waiting time for a routine EEG can range from weeks to more than 6 months. There is a need for a faster access to EEG. Several AI software to help interpret EEG results are available. These software could assist clinicians interpreting EEGs and help reduce the time to interpret the results. This may enable doing more tests, reduce waiting times for EEG and help reduce the time to diagnosis or a clinical decision.

Provisional Schedule

Scoping workshop:

13 January 2026

Scope published:

27 January 2026

Project Team

Project lead

Catherine Pank

Email enquiries

If you have any queries please email diagnostics@nice.org.uk

Stakeholders

External assessment group

The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NuTH)

Timeline

Key events during the development of the guidance:

For further information on our processes and methods, please see our early value assessment interim statement.