Bedroom
Epilepsy Bed Sensor
I want information about...
- managing epilepsy
- managing seizures
What can it be used for?
A seizure sensor (also called a seizure monitor or epilepsy sensor) is a device designed to detect when someone is having a seizure and alert a carer or responder so help can be given. These can be useful for people with epilepsy or other conditions that cause seizures however they don't work for everyone and their effectiveness is still being researched. Wherever possible it is best to seek advice from a health professional before using a seizure sensor.
There are different types of seizure sensors, and they work in different ways depending on the kind of seizure they’re meant to detect. This can include:
- Bed sensors that go under or on the mattress and detect movements typical of tonic-clonic seizures during sleep. These are the types of seizures that involve shaking or convulsions.
Wearable devices may monitor:
- Movement such as shaking or twitching
- Heart rate
- Skin changes like sweating
- Some even use EEG sensors to track brain activity
Falls detectors are sometimes used during the day if the person’s seizures cause them to fall. These can trigger an alert if a sudden drop is detected. Some people have warning signs prior to a seizure so using a lifeline or GPS device with an SOS button when these signs are experienced can also work to get help.
Once the sensor picks up signs of a seizure it will usually do something, this can include:
- Sound an alarm
- Send a message to a carer or monitoring centre
- Trigger a pager or alert on a mobile phone
- In some cases, call emergency services if no one responds.
You can find these devices by searching on the internet for 'epilepsy sensor' or 'seizure sensor'.
Benefits
- Increased Safety: By monitoring for seizures, these devices can help reduce the risk of injury during a seizure and give that person assistance quickly.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that a sensor is monitoring for seizures can provide peace of mind for both the individual with epilepsy and any family or friend carers.
Things to Consider
- Suitability: Choose the right kind of sensor for the type of seizure the person has and the action that is needed to get help. Most sensors are designed to detect tonic-clonic seizures as these usually involve movement. Wherever possible it is best to seek advice from a health professional before using a seizure sensor. There are different types of seizure sensors, and they work in different ways depending on the kind of seizure they’re meant to detect. Will it be comfortable and easy to use If it goes in the bed will it work with the type of bed/ mattress that the person has?
- Responder: Think about who will respond if a seizure is detected and how they will need to be alerted. The person who responds will need to understand what they need to do to keep the person safe, think about if they will need any additional training. Does it need to be connected to a monitoring centre? Are there family, friends or carers near enough to respond? Is a pager required to alert them or do they already have a device that an alert can be sent to? Choose a sensor that will send the right kind of alert.
- Calibration: Ensure it is set up properly to make sure the sensor works, it may need to be adjusted to suit the person who is using it. Think about whether a provider needs to install it and whether they will need to do any adjusting or whether this is something that the person or their support networks can be shown how to do.
- Compatibility: Will it work with any current technology in place, such as a smart phone and or telecare? Is there already a telecare base unit in place, if it needs to be linked to a monitoring centre this will be needed unless there is a specialist monitoring centre that the device links directly to.
- Cost and Value for money: Think about the initial cost and ongoing maintenance costs. Does the company offer a warranty and is ongoing maintenance included?