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.