Scientists in University College Cork have developed a computer programme which will be able to alert doctors of newborn babies having seizures.
The programme, called ANser, is the first of its kind. Doctors say it is a huge breakthrough and that it as the potential to help up to a million babies worldwide every year. The programme is currently being trialed in hospitals across Europe.
14-month old Tara-Lee Harte from Clonakilty in west Cork was involved in the study. She had complications at birth and required resuscitation. The computer programme used to monitor Tara-Lee’s brain alerted her doctors once she got into difficulty, meaning doctors could get her the treatment she needed as quickly as possibl. Tara-Lee has since been happy and healthy.
ANSeR will be integrated into monitoring equipment for newborn babies. It’s expected to go on worldwide distribution by the end of next year.