RecruitingNot ApplicableInterventional

An early feasibility study evaluating a novel device for identifying seizure activity in a sample of 15 children

Epilepsy is a common condition, but getting a firm diagnosis can take many months. Currently, children often need to stay in hospital for three to five days connected to bulky recording wires, known as video EEG. This can be stressful and limits their movement. This small study at Bristol Children's Hospital is testing a new wireless device called Clic EEG. These small sensors stick to the scalp with medical tape, allowing children to move around freely. Researchers are inviting 15 children aged 4 to 18 who are already booked for standard hospital monitoring. The children will wear the Clic EEG sensors alongside their usual monitors during their stay. Doctors will compare the two sets of results to see if the wireless device is just as reliable. In the future, this technology could help diagnose epilepsy much faster and without long hospital waits.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

22 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2026

Epilepsy

What is this study about?

Epilepsy affects over half a million people in the UK. Finding the right diagnosis can be a slow and frustrating journey for families. Standard 30-minute tests often miss seizures because they happen unpredictably. For complex cases, children must stay in hospital for several days hooked up to video and brain wave monitors (video EEG). Waiting lists for these hospital beds can be very long, sometimes lasting over a year.

Researchers have developed a new, lightweight device called Clic EEG. Unlike regular hospital monitors that use long wires plugged into a wall, Clic EEG is wireless. It sticks directly to the scalp with gentle medical tape. The sensors record brain activity for up to 48 hours at a time and send the data wirelessly to a computer. This means children can walk, play, and sleep much more naturally while being monitored.

This early study is taking place at Bristol Children's Hospital to test whether Clic EEG is practical and accurate in young patients. A small group of 15 children will wear the wireless sensors at the same time as their standard hospital monitors. Doctors will compare the recordings to make sure the new device picks up seizure activity just as well as traditional equipment.

If successful, this device could change how epilepsy is diagnosed across the UK. In the future, it might allow doctors to monitor children in more relaxed settings or even at home, reducing the need for long hospital stays and cutting down waiting times.

Key takeaways

Tests a new wireless brain monitor called Clic EEG in children with epilepsy.
Aims to make seizure monitoring easier, more mobile, and quicker to access in the future.
Involves 15 children aged 4 to 18 already booked for video EEG at Bristol Children's Hospital.
Sensors are worn alongside standard hospital equipment for three to five days.
Main risk is mild skin irritation from the sticky medical tape.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to children and teenagers aged 4 to 18 who are already scheduled to have inpatient video EEG monitoring at Bristol Children's Hospital through the Children's Epilepsy Surgery Service. Both boys and girls can take part.

Children cannot join if they have any significant cuts, sores, swelling, or skin infections on their scalp. It is also not suitable for children who have known allergies to medical tape or adhesives, as the sensors must be stuck directly to the skin.

Finally, children cannot take part if they are already in another clinical study that might clash, or if their medical team feels that taking part would cause them too much stress or discomfort.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

My child is between 4 and 18 years old.
My child is already booked for an inpatient video EEG stay at Bristol Children's Hospital.
My child does not have cuts, sores, or infections on their scalp.
My child does not have an allergy to medical tape or sticky dressings.
My child is not taking part in another clinical trial that might conflict with this study.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part happens during your child's already-planned hospital stay, so no extra hospital visits are required. While your child has their normal hospital EEG monitoring, the research team will also place four small Clic EEG sensors on their scalp using medical tape.

These sensors will be worn for three to five days during the stay. Because each sensor lasts up to 48 hours, nurses will gently replace them during the week to cover the full monitoring period. The study does not involve any new medicines or changes to your child's usual treatment.

Parents, carers, and hospital staff will also be invited to complete short questionnaires and brief interviews to share their thoughts on how easy and comfortable the device was to use. Once your child is discharged from their routine hospital stay, their part in the study is complete.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits to your child from taking part, as doctors will rely on the standard hospital equipment to guide their care. However, joining helps researchers learn whether this wireless monitor could improve epilepsy testing for other children in the future. The risks are very low. The main potential side effect is mild skin redness or irritation from the medical tape used to stick the sensors in place. Taking part is completely voluntary. You can choose to leave the study at any time, and your decision will never affect your child's regular NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Bristol, England

Common questions

Will this study replace my child's normal hospital tests?

No. Your child will receive their full, standard video EEG monitoring as planned. The Clic EEG sensors are simply worn at the same time.

Does the Clic EEG device hurt to wear?

No. The sensors stick to the scalp like small plasters. They are painless, though removing the tape at the end might feel like gently peeling off a plaster.

Can my child still move around during the test?

Yes. The Clic EEG is wireless, so it will not hold your child back. However, they may still need to stay near their bed for their routine hospital monitoring equipment.

Will we receive medical results from the Clic EEG sensors?

No. The new device is being tested for accuracy, so doctors will not use its data to make treatment decisions. All diagnoses will come from your child's standard hospital EEG.

What happens if my child wants to stop wearing the sensors?

You or your child can ask to remove the sensors at any point. Stopping will not affect your child's hospital care or relationship with their medical team in any way.

How to find out more

Rebecca Houlihan

rebecca.houlihan@uhbw.nhs.uk +44 (0)117 342 4952 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.