New Joint Statement Highlights Seizure Detection Devices as Tool for Safety in Epilepsy Care

BOWIE, Md., July 10, 2026 — The Epilepsy Foundation of America, the American Epilepsy Society and the Danny Did Foundation recently announced a joint position statement supporting validated noninvasive seizure detection and alerting devices as part of personalized epilepsy care and safety planning.

The statement urges insurers and other payors to help cover these devices when medically needed for people whose seizures are not well controlled. About 3.4 million people in the United States live with epilepsy, and many continue to face uncertainty and safety risks from ongoing seizures.

These devices can include wearables, bed-based sensors, audio- and video-based systems and EEG-based wearables. They are designed to recognize certain seizure-related signals and alert caregivers, or healthcare providers so help can arrive sooner. Today’s devices work best for tonic-clonic, or convulsive, seizures and should be chosen through conversations among clinicians, people with epilepsy, and caregivers.

“For some people with epilepsy, a seizure detection device can offer added support, especially at night or when someone may be alone,” said Caitlin Grzeskowiak, Chief Research and Innovation Officer for the Epilepsy Foundation of America. “This position statement helps families and clinicians make thoughtful choices with clear information about what these devices can and cannot do. These devices are not a substitute for medical care, but they can be a helpful part of a broader care and safety plan. The goal is to reduce seizures whenever possible while giving people and families practical tools that may support independence and peace of mind.”

The joint statement notes that devices may send real-time alerts, support safety planning, provide a clearer picture of seizure activity and ease worry for patients and caregivers. The organizations also caution that devices may miss some seizures, trigger false alarms, lose connectivity, be hard to wear consistently or raise privacy concerns.

The organizations encourage care teams to discuss whether a device may fit a person’s needs, including who will receive alerts, how they will respond and whether the device is helping after a trial period. The statement also stresses the importance of distinguishing epilepsy-specific medical devices from general consumer products and protecting patient data.

The Epilepsy Foundation of America, the American Epilepsy Society and the Danny Did Foundation also call for more research focused on real-world needs, including improving detection across more seizure types, reducing false alarms, measuring quality-of-life impact, studying performance in diverse communities and addressing cost and coverage barriers.

"This joint position statement represents an important milestone for the epilepsy community because it reflects a shared commitment to advancing evidence-based epilepsy care," said Tom Stanton, President, Danny Did Foundation. "By speaking with one voice, we're helping ensure that validated seizure detection technologies are recognized as a meaningful component of personalized epilepsy care. We hope this statement accelerates broader awareness, future clinical guidance, and expanded insurance coverage, so more people with epilepsy can access these important tools. Our community deserves nothing less."

Patients, caregivers and clinicians are encouraged to use trusted educational resources and talk together about whether a validated seizure detection and alerting device may be useful as part of an individualized care plan.

Key Points from the Joint Position Statement

• Today’s noninvasive seizure detection and alerting devices work best for tonic-clonic, or convulsive, seizures.
• Devices may help notify caregivers, support safety planning and provide a clearer picture of seizure activity.
• Devices have not been proven to prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) or other serious outcomes.
• Families should understand the possible benefits as well as false alarms, missed seizures, privacy questions and day-to-day technology challenges.
• Choosing a device should be a personal decision based on seizure type, living situation, caregiver support and family preferences.
• Cost, insurance coverage and technology access should not stand in the way of people who may benefit.

More information on the joint position statement can be found in Sage Journals.

About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common chronic brain disorder in the world, affecting people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3.4 million Americans live with active epilepsy. The condition is defined by a tendency to experience seizures—sudden, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can disrupt behavior, awareness, and bodily control. Beyond seizures, epilepsy can also lead to challenges such as fatigue, memory difficulties, mood changes, anxiety, and trouble concentrating, all of which can significantly impact daily life. Visit epilepsy.com to learn more.

About the Epilepsy Foundation of America

The Epilepsy Foundation America is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection. For more than 50 years, the Foundation has led efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that make a meaningful difference for individuals living with epilepsy. We also fund cutting-edge research and support early-career investigators working to discover new treatments and therapies. Through our nationwide network of local offices and community partners, the Foundation expands access to care, provides seizure recognition and first aid training, and delivers direct services to those in need. To learn more visit epilepsy.com or call 1.800.332.1000; in Spanish at 866.748.8008 or laepilepsia.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.