Epilepsy: Smart Phone Applications and Medical Identification Devices

Seizures are unpredictable and differ from person to person. Clear descriptions and/or recordings of seizures are extremely useful for you and your provider during epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and management. Monitoring seizures allows you and your provider to assess seizure patterns, triggers, recovery behaviors, and medication efficacy. Additionally, monitoring seizures helps people living with epilepsy to relay information to family members, caregivers, friends, and teachers.

Can I use an app to monitor my seizures?

Yes, smartphone applications are a great way to record and monitor your epilepsy. Many applications have helpful key features such as seizure diaries, medication reminders, personal medical information, and first-aid instructions. Every application is different, and you should look for one that best suits your needs. It’s a good idea to read reviews, terms, and conditions before downloading or purchasing any applications. Remember, smartphone applications are never a substitute for medical information and care. If you have questions or concerns about your medical care, talk with your health care provider (HCP) as they know you and your care best.

Recommended apps for seizure dairies:

Application	Features	Apple vs Android
My Seizure Diary – Epilepsy Foundation	All in one application! Describe/track seizures, triggers, mood Organize daily medications, side effects, and rescue therapies Reminder system for medications,/refills and doctor’s appointments	Both
Epsy: Seizure Log for Epilepsy	All in one application! Easy to use! Track seizures, auras, triggers Get personalized insights to seizure trends with frequent logging Create personalized reports for doctor’s appointments Growing library of topics about seizures and epilepsy Works with wide array of Apple products	Both
Track It!	Founded by parents of children with epilepsy! Unique website: SeizureTracker.com with information about seizures, triggers, medications, and research Videotape, synchronize, and graph seizure events to website for tracking VNS/RNS usage	Both

Recommended apps for medication reminders:

Application	Features	Apple vs Android
Medisafe	Clean, simple, easy-to-use design Health app integration to track vital signs, weight, glucose Personalized data report to share with provider Family synchronizing Refill and medication reminders with unique ringtones	Both
Pill Reminder – All in One	User-friendly interface Calendar format to view all reminders Recurring reminders with alarms and auto-snooze Tracks medication refills, adds photos of each medication, organizes doctor’s appointments	Both

Recommended apps for personal medical information:

Application	Features	Apple vs Android
ICE Medical Standard	Display emergency contact and medical information on lock screen! Can choose which information to display to protect privacy Color Coded Medical Status system: Red (high risk), Yellow (medium risk), Green (low risk)	Both
MyId – Medical ID Profile	Store entire medical profile online Can link 1 or more bracelets to your MyID profile Integrates with Apple Health Records	Both

Recommended apps seizure first aid:

Application	Features	Apple vs Android
Seizure first Aid – Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota	Basic seizure first aid information Built in timer and video recording Brief information on multiple seizure types	Both
First Aid: American Red Cross	Simple step-by-step instructions with video animation for first aid scenarios Fully integrated 911 to call EMS Easy to use Spanish translation within app	Both

I have heard about seizure monitor devices. Are they worth it?

A seizure monitoring device or alarm can help notify others when a seizure occurs by triggering an alarm so that others can assist you. These devices are currently being researched; however, there has not been sufficient evidence to indicate that these methods can guarantee the safety of a person living with epilepsy. No alert device or monitor will prevent seizures or their impact. If you would like to learn more about alert devices or monitors, check out The Epilepsy Foundation for further information. It is important to mention that medical devices and smartphone applications are not a substitute for medical information and care. If you have questions or concerns about your medical care, talk with your health care provider (HCP) as they know you and your care best.

Seizure monitoring alarm apps:

Application	Features	Apple vs Android
SeizeAlarm	2 week free trial then monthly or yearly subscription Seizure detection via customized motion and heart rate sensors Immediate and delayed help requests to emergency contacts with GPS locators Extensive seizure logging features with ability to export reports to your provider	Both
Snug Safety	Originally designed for elderly living alone, but great for all ages! Free daily check-in service Emergency contacts can be optionally notified If don’t check in, dispatcher will call to check-in Free and Subscription plans	Both
Aura: Seizure First Aide	Alert surroundings and caregivers when seizure is about to happen Immediate and delayed help options with GPS locators Seizure first aid guidance with video and audio animation Nearby hospital detection for emergencies	Both

Medical Identification Devices

Medical identification tags are a good “old fashioned” way to display important medical information. There are many websites available where engraved medical bracelets/ID tags can be purchased. It’s recommended to place tags/bracelets on your wrists, ankles, or neck for easy identification and access. It’s best to abbreviate important medical conditions, medications, and allergies to allow easy interpretation by medical personnel.

What should go on my medical tag?

Below is what should be written on your tag and examples of how it should be written.

Sample:

Name – Doe, Jane
Medical conditions – Epilepsy, DM1 (means type one diabetes mellitus)
ON (important medications) – Keppra, Insulin Pump
NO MRI – RNS vs VNS – VNS (vagus nerve stimulator)
NO (allergies) – PCN (penicillin), Sulfa
ICE (in case of emergency) of family member or close friend who knows medical condition – Mom (Laura) 412-555-1212

Another great medication identification device is a medical alert seatbelt or backpack strap cover. These are usually waterproof and quite durable. They lay flat around a seat belt or backpack strap and fasten via Velcro or safety snaps. When the cover is opened, there’s a place for medical and emergency contact information.

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