The Best Seizure Alert Systems

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder causing recurrent fits of seizures. More than 3 million Americans are affected by it, including kids, adults and seniors alike. What makes everyday life even more difficult is that the seizures can occur at the least expected moments and often there are no forewarning signs. One of biggest concerns is if a seizure happens while the sufferer is sleeping, rendering them unable to call for help. Luckily there are several hands-free solutions meant to bring peace of mind for epilepsy patients, from well-trained dogs to motion sensor cameras and medical alert systems – the catalog of helpful devices is more than reassuring.

Modern surveillance systems probably don’t need a long introduction: the cameras are fitted with motion detection technology that prompts the device to start recording when sensing movement. The snapshot or video stream is then shared with your smartphone. Such systems can be easily modified to protect epilepsy patients, too. Just take a quality motion sensor camera such as the YI Dome Camera or the ANNKE HD Wireless Camera, both of which come with respective smartphone apps. Not only do they allow caregivers or family members to regularly check on epilepsy patients, but changing the sensitivity of the motion sensor enables the devices to be triggered when the shaking starts.

Standard seizure alert devices are mainly practical for people who live with others who can rush to their aid during a seizure. However, when the patient lives alone, the prudent action is without a doubt to subscribe to a medical alert system. Pushing the help button on the pendant or wristwatch is manageable, and that’s all they need to know. The operators are aware of the caller’s medical condition, meaning they will skip the questioning and take the initiative right away. Depending on the patient’s preferences, the agents may call the paramedics or the family members during an emergency. There are also fall detection pendants that require no manual button pressing to send an alert signal.

Even though dogs are unable to effectively help someone who is suffering from a seizure, there are dogs that are trained to recognize the situation and call for help. When their owner is experiencing an epileptic shock and falls to the ground, seizure alert dogs jump between them and the floor to reduce the impact. They can also wear a unique harness that spells ‘Seizure Alert’, informing bystanders that the barking dog is raising awareness for someone in dire need of help. Even better, some dogs may learn how to push a medical alert button to summon the emergency services. Besides this, they are the perfect companions for both senior couples and widows, providing love and compassion in good and hard times.

If you wish to grant a person with epilepsy a good night sleep, opt for a seizure detection system that is designed for beds. The premise is simple: a special sensor is placed under the bedsheet that detects vibration, sounding an alarm upon heavy shaking. Both Emfit and MedPage present such device. Emfit’s muscle contraction monitor is alerted when muscle jerking continues for more than 10 seconds, notifying nearby caregivers. MedPage’s epilepsy alarm offers adjustable sensitivity to avoid false alarms when patients re-position themselves on the mattress.

Seizure smart watches are advanced versions of the medical alert wristwatches. They also feature a help button, coupled with a wide array of sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. The Embrace smartwatch by Empatica is the prime example of what this technology is capable of. Embrace is monitoring skin electricity and temperature as a means of foretelling an upcoming seizure. When picking up signs of an epileptic fit, not only will it warn the wearer but it will send a message to a list of predetermined family members or caregivers so they can act in time.