Community Corner: Devices for Epilepsy — What Do You Need?

Epilepsy News From: Thursday, January 04, 2018

Have you noticed how many types of devices are being promoted these days, both in stores and online? We can measure just about anything now using some type of personal device. Many health problems can be treated with devices and this is revolutionizing health care and our lives.

Are There Devices for Epilepsy?

The epilepsy field is benefiting from these changes as scientists join with technology experts to find better ways of helping people with epilepsy, treating seizures, and preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). While some devices are already available, others are in various stages of development.

As the device field explodes, what do you — the person living with epilepsy or the parent, family member, or caregiver — feel is needed for epilepsy? What do you want? What do you think would be most important?

How Could A Device Help You?

Here are some ways that devices can help people with epilepsy:

  • Staying safe
    • New types of helmets and safety equipment
    • Alert someone when a seizure happens and get help faster
  • Recording seizures
  • Detecting seizures
    • Tell when a person is having a seizure by measuring changes in the body or brain
  • Predicting seizures
    • Know ahead of time or predict if a seizure may happen by measuring changes in the body or brain 
  • Treating and stopping seizures in some situations
    • Deliver stimulation to decrease frequency or intensity of seizures, or even stop seizures from developing
  • Predicting if a person is at risk for SUDEP and preventing it

What Do You Want Out of A Device? 

We need input from you. The thoughts, opinions, and experiences of people with epilepsy and family members and caregivers are critical in moving this field forward. Devices will only work if they are usable and tackle the problems of most concern.

How you can take action and help:

  • Participate in the Epilepsy Foundation’s My Seizure Gauge survey. Let us know what type of device would work for you.
  • Share your priorities for devices in epilepsy in our Community Forums

Thank you for your help, experience, and expertise. Every voice counts!

Patty Osborne Shafer RN, MN

Authored by

Patty Obsorne Shafer RN, MN

Reviewed Date

Thursday, January 04, 2018

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