Epilepsy safety

Safety devices

Safety devices

There are a number of devices for monitoring seizures available on the market

They are designed to recognise changes in breathing patterns, triggering an alarm to get help. 

Speak to your clinician about whether a device is something that you might use.

Research into the effectiveness of safety devices and the benefits of monitors is ongoing but there is no evidence to show an alarm or a monitor can guarantee the safety of a person experiencing nocturnal seizures. However, some people have found monitors useful as part of a risk reduction plan. 

Safety devices

It’s a personal choice

Because many epilepsy-related deaths occur overnight with people found lying face down there is speculation that this position may interfere with breathing and contribute to death. The use of special pillows has not been proven to prevent death from suffocation or SUDEP. Some people advocate for the use of special pillows to allow better airflow around the face but these pillows cannot guarantee the safety of someone having nocturnal seizures. It’s therefore a personal choice.

Devices using simple sensors and combinations of sensors can detect motion from seizures and may alert family, carers or help-centres. The sort of devices now available include mattress sensors, watches and phones.

Safety devices

Considering using a safety device?

    If you are considering using a safety device, speak to your doctor or epilepsy specialist first and consider the following:

  • Which seizure type or types does this monitor pick up?
  • Is this safety device suitable for my type of epilepsy?
  • How many or what percentage of seizures is this monitor likely to pick up?
  • How often does this monitor give out a false alarm?
  • Will this monitor get in the way of my day-to-day living?
  • What is the cost of the monitor?
  • What other potential issues may I experience with this monitor?

Also see

 

Our EpSMon app: safety in your pocket

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Learn about Epilepsy Lifestyle and Risk

For one-to-one support after an epilepsy death contact our support team today

We provide the only support line for people bereaved by an epilepsy death and offer access to qualified counselling. Our dedicated support team has a special interest in, and understanding of, sudden and traumatic death.

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