Parametric seizure detection

A non-transitory computer readable program storage unit encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform a method for detecting an epileptic seizure, comprising:

• receiving a heart rate of a patient;
• determining if there is a change in said heart rate;
• in response to determining there is a change in said heart rate, calculating a percentage change of said heart rate in reference to at least one of said patient's maximal heart rate, a reserve heart rate, an activity heart rate, or a resting heart rate;
• detecting an epileptic seizure if the percentage change in said heart rate reaches a threshold value;
• and,
• in response to said detection taking a responsive action selected from one of issuing a warning, delivering a therapy, determining a seizure severity, or logging one of a date and time of occurrence of said seizure, its severity, the type of therapy and its effect.

A medical device system, comprising:

• at least one sensor configured to collect at least one cardiac signal from a patient;
• and
• a medical device, comprising:
• a body data module configured to receive a heart rate value of said patient, based at least in part on said cardiac signal;
• a patient heart rate module to provide at least one of a patient's maximal heart rate, reserve heart rate, or a resting heart rate and to calculate a change of said heart rate in reference to at least one of said patient's maximal heart rate, a reserve heart rate, an activity heart rate, or a resting heart rate;
• a seizure detection module configured to detect an epileptic seizure if the change in said heart rate reaches a threshold value;
• and,
• at least one additional module selected from a warning unit configured to issue a warning of said seizure, a therapy unit configured to deliver a therapy for said seizure, a severity unit configured to determine a seizure severity, or a logging unit configured to log at least one of a date and time of occurrence of said seizure, its severity, the type of therapy, or its effect.