Types of epilepsy alert devices and monitors

Nowadays there are a variety of devices to may help make life safer for for people with epilepsy. Seizures are often unexpected and can present very clear dangers, many of these devices are aimed at detecting seizures and alerting others who can come to your aid.

The type of device best suited to you may depend on the types of seizures you experience and their frequency, as well as a number of other factors. They come in a wide variety of designs and are suited to different purposes.

Some of the most common devices and monitors include:

Wearable sensors

Wearable sensors come in many designs. Wrist-worn sensors, for example, can be effective in detecting seizures that increase the heart rate. Other sensors may detect seizures, such as tonic-clonic, based on movement rather than a heartbeat. Many of these can be worn continuously offering full coverage in the event of a seizure and helping to alert both the person with epilepsy and those around them.

Bed alarms

Many people with epilepsy have seizures during sleep. There are a number of alarms that are designed to provide warnings and alerts when seizures occur during sleep. Most of these alarms are based on movement and recognise the irregular movements that are associated with a seizure. Some are also able to recognise sound, vomiting and incontinence.

Video monitors

There are video monitors available that work in a similar way to bed alarms by detecting irregular movements. This option can be particularly useful for parents who have children with epilepsy. The device will need to be connected to a smartphone or tablet to be used and sounds an alarm should it detect a seizure.

Subscription services

There are options for all of the above that will send texts or call alerts to friends or family members if a seizure is detected. This can be particularly useful for people with epilepsy who live alone and want to ensure that someone is alerted in the event of a seizure.

Other devices

There are a variety of other devices that people with epilepsy might find useful. Fall alarms, for example, can detect when a person has fallen due to a seizure and sound an alarm or send an alert. GPS monitors can be effective at locating a person with epilepsy, as well as push-button alarms that allow the person to send an alert. However, should the seizure be unexpected these might not be as effective.

National Epilepsy Training can help…

We are experts in sourcing and providing specialised aids of all types for our clients, including alarms and monitors. For more information on which alarms and monitors might be most effective for you, please call us on 01706 373075 or email admin@nationalepilepsytraining.co.uk.