Application of deconvolutional networks for feature interpretability in epilepsy detection

Abstract

Introduction: Scalp electroencephalography (EEG) is commonly used to assist in epilepsy detection. Even automated detection algorithms are already available to assist clinicians in reviewing EEG data, many algorithms used for seizure detection in epilepsy fail to account for the contributions of different channels. The Fully Convolutional Network (FCN) can provide the model’s interpretability but has not been applied in seizure detection.

Methods: To address these challenges, a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) model, combining SE (Squeeze-and-Excitation) modules, was proposed on top of the FCN. The epilepsy detection performance for patient-independent was evaluated on the CHB-MIT dataset. Then, the SE module was removed from the model and integrated the model with Inception, ResNet, and CBAM modules separately.

Results: The method showed superior advancement, stability, and reliability compared to the other three methods. The method demonstrated a G-Mean of 82.7% for sensitivity (SEN) and specificity (SPE) on the CHB-MIT dataset. In addition, The contributions of each channel to the seizure detection task have also been quantified, which led us to find that the FZ, CZ, PZ, FT9, FT10, and T8 brain regions have a more pronounced impact on epileptic seizures.

Discussion: This article presents a novel algorithm for epilepsy detection that accurately identifies seizures in different patients and enhances the model’s interpretability.