Devices & Technology
The Danny Did Foundation is committed to tracking the evolving field of seizure alerting and prediction devices – and related technologies – that are designed to enhance safety for a person with epilepsy.
While no device has been proven to prevent epilepsy-related mortality (including SUDEP), early intervention during a seizure is believed to reduce the risks that accompany epilepsy. A goal of Danny Did is to educate patients and their families about technology options that may complement their epilepsy treatment plan.
Disclosure: The DDF cautions that not all devices listed on this site are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Unless noted, these resources are consumer products and not medical devices. We strongly recommend your communication with the manufacturers of these products, as well as consultation with doctors, to determine the potential usefulness of any device for your situation.
The DDF does not warrant these products and is not a manufacturer, distributor, seller, representative, or broker of the products shown on this website. DDF offers only introductory information about the potential of these devices, and does not accept responsibility for the consequences of the actual use of any device listed on this website.
Be sure to review all the key factors when considering which system is a fit for child or adult users.
Non-Invasive Alerting Systems
Emfit Movement Monitor
The Emfit MM™, Movement Monitor is a patented and clinically tested nighttime monitoring system for quickly detecting and alerting to abnormal, repetitive, convulsive movements. This system is easy-to-install and has no body contact attached to the individual that would potentially interfere with peaceful sleep. The Emfit MM consists of two main components: a flexible, ultra-thin under mattress bed sensor, and a bed-side monitor with embedded software. Developed and made in Finland and classified as an Epilepsy seizure alarm and medical device in Europe, the Emfit MM™ Movement Monitor is available worldwide. Customers can receive a 10% discount code through Emfit’s U.S. and Canadian distributor, Epi USA, when using coupon code DANNYDID during checkout. As a secondary option for qualified candidates, Danny Did may be able to provide financial assistance.
EpiMonitor: EmbracePlus & Subscription
Made by Empatica, this system features a wearable watch and smartphone application all-in-one solution for detecting possible generalized tonic-clonic seizures and monitoring epilepsy. Their EpiMonitor Subscription package includes these features; Seizure Alerts, Seizure Diary, Sensing Precisions (to adjust configuration settings based on your activities), Alert Location and on their “Plus” Subscription only: Manual Alerts, Sleep and Activity Tracking, Diary PDF Exports for caregivers or doctors. This product is FDA-cleared for adults and children ages 6 and up, and requires a prescription from your doctor. The system is designed to have 7 days of battery life, and requires the person wearing the watch to have a compatible smartphone, which they must keep within approximately 25 feet. If your insurance denies the purchase or the co pay is out of reach for your family, Danny Did will consider your application to try to offset the expense.
SAMi – The Sleep Activity Monitor
SAMi is a wearable-free nighttime movement monitor appropriate for all ages. It was purpose built for parents, caregivers and individuals that need to watch carefully for abnormal movement at night without compromising their sleep or their child’s safety. The device can be configured to alert to both rhythmic (repetitive) and non-rhythmic movement in the face, extremities, or full body movements, even when someone is under bed covers or in a crib. SAMi is customizable so you can choose how much motion SAMi should look for, and how long to wait until setting off the alarm. The device can also automatically record HD video/audio of any motion throughout the night, which can be reviewed or shared with a doctor.
When abnormal movement is detected, the SAMi app triggers the alarm and displays live video + audio, so the caregiver can determine if action is needed. The device works in complete darkness and does not require any internet connection to function. The SAMi app is free to download, and the maintenance and new features are all at no cost.
NOTE: SAMi offers a referral discount to anyone who mentions Danny Did. Enter the coupon code “friendsofdanny” during checkout. As a secondary option for qualified candidates, Danny Did may be able to provide financial assistance.
Portable Pulse Oximeter
Portable pulse oximeters, like the Masimo Rad 97, are non-invasive medical devices that typically attach to a fingertip or a toe to measure heart rate and blood oxygenation percentage —both vital statistics that are affected while a person is seizing. These devices are not explicitly designed or manufactured to detect seizures, but pulse oximeters do have applicable monitoring and alarm-sounding functions that can be useful to some who experience seizures. In-home use of pulse oximeters requires a prescription and the use of a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) facility. If your insurance denies the purchase or the co pay is out of reach for your family, Danny Did will consider your application to try to offset the expense.
For those seeking a similar resource for use by infants 0-18 months, the Masimo Stork Vital+ is another option.
Inspyre App
The Inspyre™ app by Smart Monitor is designed to be used on an Samsung or Apple Watch to detect repetitive shaking motion. When the Inspyre detects abnormal motion, it sends a signal to the app running on the user’s device (iPhone or Android phone) to send text and phone call alerts to whomever the SmartWatch Inspyre™ user designates, such as multiple family members and care providers. When that occurs, family members receive these alerts which include the date, time, location, and duration of the event. SmartWatch Inspyre™ users can also summon help with the push of a button. Alerts can be sent to any phone, anywhere, and reports of each event can be accessed for later review with physicians. To use the system, you must have or purchase specific hardware (an Apple or Android watch). Other costs include payment of a monthly subscription fee.
EpiPal App
A platform that connects families and caregivers for effective epilepsy safety and management. EpiPal is designed to detect seizures, send alerts for epilepsy-related emergencies, journal together to discover new insights as a team, monitor medication adherence, and stay connected with everyone in your support group.
EpiPal can be purchased and downloaded on Apple Store or Google Play. The app is connected to the user’s Apple or Android watch
The Owlet BabySat
The Owlet BabySat® is a prescription home monitoring system intended for infants between 1 and 18 months of age. This FDA cleared device measures SpO2, pulse rate, and motion levels through a sensor embedded in a fabric sock, and is designed to alarm for critical levels of hypoxia, high pulse rate, and low pulse rate through a base station and caregiver’s phone app. Alarm parameters can be customized at the direction of the user and ordering physician. BabySat is not specifically intended to be a seizure monitor, but does measure indicators which can be associated with a seizure event. BabySat is wire free and adhesive free. BabySat is currently only in the U.S. and compatible with iOS/Apple users. BabySat requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. If needed, prescriptions can be obtained through Owlet’s virtual care partner, Wheel, via this link. If your insurance denies the purchase or the co-pay cost is out of reach for your family, Danny Did will consider your application to offset the expense.
Owlet Dream Sock
As another option, the Owlet Dream Sock™ is an over the counter home monitoring system similar to the BabySat described above. However, with this product, the alarm parameters are not customizable. for qualified candidates, Danny Did may be able to provide financial assistance.
EPILEPSY MANAGEMENT MOBILE APPS
CAPTUREPROOF / Mobile App
CAPTUREPROOF is a visual health record that allows patients and healthcare providers to securely share photos and videos as part of their medical communication and collaboration. After downloading this free app, you can send videos or photos of seizure activity with your doctor at any time, offering the potential for faster diagnosis and treatment. Caretakers can also use this app simply to keep their own visual seizure diary. The app also saves all visual records so that it is possible to track the progression of seizure activity over time. To learn more about CAPTUREPROOF, visit their website HERE, or call (415) 770-2020 to have someone walk you through how to set up your account.
Seizure Tracker / Website and Mobile App
Created by parents who have a son with epilepsy, Seizure Tracker is designed to provide patients, doctors and researchers with free comprehensive tools to help understand relationships between seizure activity and anti-epileptic medications. Patients can create personalized reports of logged seizure activity and medication history that can be shared with their medical team. The mobile app version of this system allows users to record seizure activity as it happens with the Seizure Tracker. Having a seizure recorder handy can improve the accuracy of the data you collect and help to inform better treatment decisions. Note, this system is not designed to alert to seizure activity, but only to improve tracking.
SEER Health Seizure Management App
This app allows the user to record events and add details that tell the story of what you’re experiencing in just a few taps. Detailed records of seizure activity are important for helping your doctor understand the nature of your events.
IMPLANTED, SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES
VNS Therapy / LivaNova
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a technique used to treat epilepsy that involves implanting a pacemaker-like device into the chest that generates pulses of electricity to stimulate the vagus nerve. The VNS Therapy System is an FDA-approved medical device specifically developed for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. VNS Therapy delivers mild pulses to the brain through the vagus nerve to help prevent seizures before they start and help stop them if they do. VNS Therapy includes a short, outpatient procedure, which is not brain surgery. VNS Therapy is not a drug and does not have drug-related side effects.The most common side effects include hoarseness, shortness of breath, sore throat, and cough. VNS therapy is not a cure, and the total elimination of seizures is rare. However, some people who undergo VNS experience a significant reduction in the frequency of seizures, as well as a decrease in seizure severity. The VNS system has FDA-approval for use in patients as young as 4 years old. For additional background, talk with your doctor. Note, the DDF does not have grant funding available for VNS.
NeuroPace RNS (Responsive Neural Stimulation) System
The RNS System involves the surgical implanting of a matchbook-size device that is attached to the surface of the brain. It focuses on a closed-loop approach to interrupting and preventing seizure activity. The RNS is programmed to continuously monitor brain wave activity, to sense the onset of a seizure within a neural network, and to deliver seizure-stopping electrical stimulation once seizure activity is detected. In late 2013, NeuroPace received FDA-approval to market the RNS System as a treatment for medically refractory (uncontrolled) epilepsy in adults. It has been evaluated in three clinical trials. Note, the DDF does not have grant funding available for RNS.
Visualase Laser Surgery / Medtronic
Visualase is minimally invasive MRI-guided laser surgery technique for people whose seizures are not controlled by medication that is now being used at a select number of medical centers around the country. Rather than standard open brain surgery, a laser fiber is inserted into the skull to precisely target areas of the brain causing seizures. Light energy from the laser heats the brain tissue, effectively destroying it. Upon removal of the laser applicator, only one stitch is needed to close the wound. The technology usually requires only an overnight hospital stay. To learn more about this technology and whether it could be an option for your loved one, talk to your doctor. For more background and to see locations where this surgery is performed, click here. Note, the DDF does not have grant funding available for laser surgery.
NON-TECH SAFETY RESOURCES
SleepSure Anti-Suffocation Pillow
Developed and produced by Seizure Alert Australia, SleepSure is the newest Anti-Suffocation Pillow on the market and only option sold locally in the US. SleepSure offers adjustable sizing and is fully machine washable. Their hypo-allergenic, latex & chemical free 3D spacer fabric technology is designed to be breathable, durable, practical and comfortable for a peaceful and secure night’s sleep. This product is an aid to those with concerns about suffocation and not a cure. It is not yet FDA approved and is in no way intended to replace medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. You can order SleepSure through their US distribution Partner here, or visit their website here.
NOTE: SAMi offers a 10 percent referral discount to anyone who mentions Danny Did Foundation when placing an order. When placing the order through their website, enter the coupon code “friendsofdanny” during checkout to receive the discount. As a secondary option for qualified candidates, Danny Did may be able to provide financial assistance.
Drop Support Harness
Drop Support is a fall support harness for families and caregivers of individuals with epilepsy. This product is designed to manage and control falls to reduce the risk of injuries. The harness allows the user to walk unrestricted, but to still have fall support when assisted by the support handle. The support handle allows for a higher grab to reduce back strain. Drop Support is available in a variety of children’s and adult sizes, with selection based on the user’s size and weight. The cost ranges from $99-$129. This device can be used both inside and outside the home. To visit the product website for more product details, plus user reviews, click here. For qualified candidates, Danny Did may be able to provide financial assistance.
- Visit the Website
- Apply For Assistance
Seizure Dogs
Seizure response dogs are a special type of service dog specifically trained to help someone who has epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Tasks for seizure dogs may include: summoning help by finding another person or activating a medical alert; pulling potentially dangerous objects away from a person’s body; “blocking” to keep individuals from walking into obstacles that can result in bodily injury or death; attempting to arouse an unconscious handler during or after a seizure; and carrying emergency medication and information regarding the handler’s medical condition. Further, some dogs may develop the ability to sense an impending seizure. There are several companies that train seizure response dogs for adoption. Options to research include Domesti-PUPS and 4 Paws For Ability Seizure Dogs. For additional information or to inquire about funding support for seizure dogs, visit the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation. Note, the DDF does not have grant funding available for seizure dogs.
Sleep-Safe Pillow
Developed Sleep-Safe’s breathable design creates a ‘Dynamic’ pillow so that head movement compresses and decompresses the core Aero-Matrix chambers, causing air to flow through the sides and ends of the pillow. The Micromesh pillowcase allows air to flow around the face. This air-flow flushes exhaled breath and carbon dioxide away from the user’s nose and mouth to help prevent suffocation.
Sleep-Safe are often ordered in pairs – one in use, one in the wash – and changed every couple of weeks or so, or the pillow is being used in a respite setting by successive short-term users. Sleep-Safe several-use disposable pillowcases may be used to reduce considerably the amount of laundering. To read more or to place an order at a 20% discounted price, click the link below.
Choking Rescue Device
Choking rescue devices are non-invasive rescue suction devices that deliver suction-based airway clearance in an emergency of airway obstruction.
EEG MONITORING
Neurotech EEG
Neurotech EEG provides in-home EEG testing and monitoring services in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Tennessee, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Connecticut, Nebraska and Washington. Neurotech reps interact with your doctor to set up the appointment, check on your insurance coverage, send a technician to conduct the in-home testing and monitoring, and send the results to your doctor. This is an alternative to EEG testing that is conducted in a hospital or clinic.
Note, the DDF does not have grant funding available for this service.
Danny Did Device Grant Program
If you are seeking funds to help with the cost of a device, review and research the product options and then click on the application button below. Once your application has been completed and received you will receive an email to set up a short interview call. Danny Did does not provide funding for all devices listed on our site, please check the device description for grant availability.
Note, we can only assist with one resource per family. Submission of an application does not equal a guarantee of funding. If you have questions, contact us at kgaughan@dannydid.org.