To determine the value of pulse oximetry in detecting seizures, Goldenholz et al evaluated 193 seizures among 45 patients who were being monitored with video EEG, SpO2, and EKG. Their analysis found that SpO2 thresholds of 80%-86% were able to detect 63%-73% of generalized convulsions and 20%-28% of focal seizures. While the researchers concluded that continuous SpO2 monitoring requires a tradeoff between false alarms and accurate detection of seizures, they believe an alarm setting of 86% is likely to be worthwhile in patients who experience fewer false alarms and a setting of 80% would be better for those who have more false alarms.
Goldenholz DM, Kuhn A, Austermuehle A, et al. Long-term monitoring of cardiorespiratory patterns in drug-resistant epilepsy. Epilepsia. 2017;58(1):77-84.
