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?
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Which seizure type or types does this monitor pick up?
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Is this safety device suitable for my type of epilepsy?
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How many or what percentage of seizures is this monitor likely to pick up?
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How often does this monitor give out a false alarm?
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Will this monitor get in the way of my day-to-day living?
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What is the cost of the monitor?
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What other potential issues may I experience with this monitor?
If you are considering using a safety device, speak to your doctor or epilepsy specialist first and consider the following:
Also see
Our EpSMon app: safety in your pocket
Download our leaflets
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 counsellors who have a special interest and understanding in sudden and traumatic death.
