Wearable devices for epilepsy are used to monitor and manage this chronic condition. These devices offer a noninvasive, convenient way to continuously monitor seizure activity and provide valuable insights for patients and healthcare providers. This article examines the growing use of wearable devices for monitoring and managing epilepsy, including their capabilities for seizure detection, prediction, and data tracking.
Understanding Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. It has various types and causes, some identifiable and others unknown. Seizure symptoms can range from brief lapses in awareness to convulsions. A diagnosis requires at least two unprovoked seizures 24 hours apart. Treatment with medication or surgery can control seizures for most, with some requiring lifelong treatment and others potentially outgrowing the condition.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, research shows that at least 30 out of every 100 people with epilepsy experience uncontrolled seizures at any given time. This figure underscores the importance of novel approaches to enhance epilepsy treatment, especially regarding seizure identification and control.
Wearables are electronic devices such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, fall detection devices, and continuous glucose monitoring devices that can be worn on the body as an accessory or integrated into clothing items. These devices enable continuous monitoring and data collection for various health parameters aiding in remote patient care and managing health conditions. Healthcare providers monitor patients’ conditions continuously to identify potential issues early and provide timely interventions or adjustments to treatment plans without needing in-person visits.
Remote health solutions are not a substitute for in-office appointments but allow patient symptoms to be monitored between in-office visits. The following sections highlight recent research into wearable devices for epilepsy seizure detection, prediction, and how patient health data is tracked.
Seizure Detection
One of the primary applications of wearables in epilepsy is seizure detection. Wearable devices for epilepsy use sensors to track various physiological signals, such as body temperature, electrodermal activity, accelerometry, and photoplethysmography. By combining these data streams with machine learning algorithms, wearable epilepsy devices can accurately identify different types of seizures.
For example, a recent research review published in Cureus reports that research shows machine learning algorithms paired with wearable sensors could detect a wide range of seizure types more accurately than chance alone. Some devices even offer real-time alert systems to notify caregivers when a seizure is detected, reducing the risk of complications.
Seizure Prediction and Data Tracking
Wearables are being explored for their ability to predict seizures before they occur. This is achieved through advanced algorithms that analyze data like brain wave activity, heart rate variability, and other biomarkers. The review researches wearable systems that can predict seizures by detecting anomalies in heart rate variability.
Other studies have used deep learning models to automatically detect seizures and classify types based on EEG data. Accurate seizure prediction allows patients to take preemptive measures, such as finding a safe environment or administering medication.
Wearable devices for epilepsy can collect data and transmit it to a patient’s healthcare provider for review. The data can be viewed and analyzed in monitoring platforms with a data analytics dashboard designed to help clinicians interpret the patient’s wearable data. Integrating this health data with patient electronic health records is another major area of focus. This interoperability allows for comprehensive patient monitoring and improved care coordination between providers.
Wearables Available for Epilepsy
Empatica EpiMonitor
This is a medical-grade smartwatch cleared by the FDA for adults and children ages six and over that focuses on detecting generalized tonic-clonic seizures and sending immediate alerts to caregivers.
- All-day monitoring and automated caregiver alerts via smartphone.
- Uses AI to monitor physiological signals like skin conductance and movement.
2. NightWatch
This watch is designed for nighttime use and is worn on the upper arm. It is regarded for its ability to detect severe nocturnal motor seizures, which can be most dangerous.
- Helps parents or caregivers who need reliable alerts while the patient is sleeping.
- No smartphone or subscription required; it communicates directly with a base station in the home.
3. SPEAC® System
Unlike wrist-worn watches, this device is placed on the biceps muscle. It is the first FDA-cleared non-EEG device that uses sEMG (surface electromyography) to monitor muscle activity.
- Patients with motor seizures who need high-fidelity data for their neurologist.
- Provides the doctor with a summary report of seizure activity to help refine medication or treatment.
4. Epi-Care Free
This is a clinically proven wrist-worn sensor that is popular in Europe and available globally. It is designed to detect the rhythmic movements associated with tonic-clonic seizures.
- Users who prefer a dedicated pager system over a smartphone app.
- Long battery life and a dedicated pager with a range of up to 100 meters.
5. SmartMonitor Inspyre (Apple Watch / Samsung Wear)
This is an app-based solution rather than a standalone medical device. It uses the existing sensors in your Apple Watch or Android Wear device to detect repetitive shaking.
- Those who already own a smartwatch and want an added layer of safety without buying a new device.
- Sends GPS location to caregivers when an event is detected.
Wearable Devices for Epilepsy: Challenges
While wearable devices for epilepsy monitoring show promise for aiding in seizure detection, research acknowledges some key challenges that need to be addressed:
- Accuracy and reliability must be validated across diverse patient populations.
- User adherence to wearing the device.
- Health data privacy and security concerns.
- Lack of clear reimbursement pathways.
- Not all individuals with epilepsy have access to wearable epilepsy devices due to cost, living in rural areas or lack of awareness of the technology.
Continued research and collaborative efforts between developers, clinicians, and patients, would need to occur to make these devices more accessible to all those who could potentially benefit from their use
Understanding Wearable Epilepsy Devices
Wearable devices for epilepsy monitoring represent a promising frontier in epilepsy care. By leveraging sensors, data analytics, and machine learning, these technologies can provide continuous physiological monitoring, detect seizures, predict episodes before they occur, and generate insights to optimize treatment plans. However, key challenges around accuracy, user experience, access, and integration must still be addressed through continued research and collaboration between technology developers, healthcare providers, and patients. As these wearable solutions evolve, they have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life and outcomes for the millions of individuals living with epilepsy worldwide.
