When medication can’t prevent symptoms of epilepsy, there are other aids that can help alert people of seizure-like symptoms.
Epilepsy Alarms
Personal alarms can identify vibrations and alert caregivers or friends of a seizure. Certain alarms may even be able to send text or call alerts to various caregivers. These alarms cannot prevent seizures and may not identify all seizures. Although motion sensing devices and alarms have not been approved by the FDA, they are still available for use.
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Watch or Phone Devices
Watch or phone devices detect repeated movements and have capabilities to alert caregivers by text, alarm, or email. Certain alarms may also be able to detect and report location with GPS capabilities.
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Mattress Devices
Mattress devices will similarly detect and sound an alarm when unusual vibrations or movements occur in a bed.
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Camera Devices
Camera devices use infrared technology while also recording audio and video. When the camera detects seizure-like activity, the information can be sent to a smartphone where an alarm will go off followed by a live feed of what the camera is detecting.
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Seizure Response Dogs
Seizure response dogs are trained to recognize and respond to seizures. Response dogs can be trained to wake an unconscious owner, pull dangerous objects away from a person who may be having a seizure, alert others of their owner’s health, carry important information, and direct owners away from dangerous areas.
Although response dogs may be helpful during a seizure, there is not enough evidence to show that they can detect a seizure beforehand.
