People living with seizure disorders and their families have often expressed concerns around seizures that occur when a person is alone, or perhaps asleep, especially in those whose seizures do not stop after a few minutes.
It is important to the well being of all people to live their lives productively and independently. It is the same for those living with Epilepsy and seizure disorders.
Products are being developed to detect seizure activity in various forms, and transmit the information to others who are able to be of assistance. These monitoring systems are not considered medical devices, and do not connect directly to the person having seizures.
We present here, various options that may be helpful. Like any equipment, it is only effective if kept in good condition and careful attention is made to keeping any batteries or connections operating and in good repair. Since this equipment is available, we present it to you as we feel you have the right to this information. Epilepsy Ontario does not take any responsibility. It is our responsibility, however, to inform you that these monitoring systems are not to be considered life saving devices because they can only assist in detecting possible life-threatening situations.
Epilepsy monitoring alarms for Canada/USA
Note: The epilepsy monitor is now FDA approved and available in the USA. (FDA #E436152)
At this time the radio signal versions of the British designs are not yet available in Canada, because it is necessary to obtain registration for licence-free use of the transmission system. The wired alarm versions are available from a Canadian agent and may be used in conjunction with a licensed baby monitor to relay the sound of the alarm when a wireless version is required. If you have any question regarding the availability of these products, please contact David at
David.Sampano@stevens.ca
Epilepsy alarms for other countries
These products are already available for the European community and are CE marked. This will include radio signal alarm versions. Enquirers from other countries will be dealt with according to relevant regulations. For more information please fill out this
enquiry form.
Pricing/Ordering Information:
Residents of North America:
For more information on this product please fill out this form or call David Sampano at 1-800-268-0184 (toll-free) for immediate service.
Sales and distribution in North America by:
The Stevens Company Limited
1-800-268-0184 | Outside North America:
Please fill out this form. A representative in the United Kingdom will contact you with ordering information and pricing. |
Currently available in Canada:
Various epilepsy detection sensors provided with a controller with time delay and sensitivity adjustment- Bedtime movement spasm detector with alarm box in a remote room. (S.1001-CAN)
- Bedtime movement spasm detector with connection to an automatic telephone dialler. (S.1004)
- Bedtime movement detector with a relay connection to a central alarm circuit. (S.1005)
- Vocal sound detector with converter to send an alarm signal to a remote alarm box without invasion of privacy. (S.1008-AR)
- Basic control system which can receive any input switch condition from various detectors to send a signal to a remote alarm. (S.1011)
- Combined bedtime movement and sound detection with an alarm box in a remote room. (EP-M-S-W-R)
- Combined bedtime movement and cessation of breathing detection with an alarm box in a remote room. (EP-CB-W-AL)
- Combined bedtime movement and cessation of breathing detection with an alarm connection to a centralised institutional nurse call system. (EP-CB-W-NC)
- Vocal sound detection with conversion to an alarm signal to activate a centralised nurse call circuit. (EP-S-NC)
Bedtime alarms for cessation of breathing for over 3 year olds and adults- With wired output from the monitor to a remote alarm box. (CB-W-AL)
- Basic sensor and monitor with normally open, zero potential, switched 3.5mm.socket output to connect to a suitable type of alarm circuit. (AE010-PMS-A-NOC)
- With wired connection to a centralised institutional nurse call circuit. (CB-NC)
- With remote alarm box and a bed occupancy sensor to avoid false alarms when bed is vacated. (CB-BL-AB)
Cessation of breathing alarms for infants up to the age of 3 years- Apneia alarm with wired extension cable to a remote alarm. (BM-IN-AL)
- Apneia alarm without wired extension. (BM-IN)
- With wired connection to a centralised nurse call alarm circuit. (CB-NC-C)
Dribbling or vomiting detection systems for use in bed- Basic sensor and battery -operated monitor with a zero potential, normally open, switched output to connect to a suitable type of alarm circuit via a 3.5mm. socket. (DR-NO-01)
- Wired system via a powered relay output to a remote alarm box. (DR-W-A)
Other alarm systems available- Bed or chair occupancy monitors
- Wandering alarms
Any combination of sensors can be provided with any alarm system for multiple detection of a variety of symptoms.
Different combinations of sensors to suit your needs
It is now possible to use various sensors to detect some of the different symptoms which occur during an epileptic seizure. These are mostly for use at bedtime.
The most common symptom is a shaking spasm which can be detected by a specially designed movement sensor which is usually located under the mattress beneath the thigh area. This is connected to a controller which allows adjustments to be made to minimise false alarms which might be caused by other types of movements. The sensitivity of the sensor is adjustable to allow for different degrees of seizure movements and also to allow for the use of different mattresses. For short term normal movements in bed, a time delay setting needs to be adjusted according to the patterns of behavior. Until this pre-set time is exceeded for continuous movements there will be no sound initiated.
Vocal sounds provide another means of detection of seizures. By use of a microphone and controller the vocal sounds are converted to signals so that there is no invasion of privacy. To avoid false alarms for short duration common, ambient sounds and for different levels of vocal sounds, adjustments for time delay and sensitivity are possible.
The sensors are interchangeable with one controller, or they may be used simultaneously, each with their own controller.
If neither of these symptoms are likely to occur another symptom may be relevant in some cases. For example, this could involve the addition of a moisture sensitive sheet over the bed pillow in order to detect dribbling or vomiting during a seizure.
By the use of a coupling adapter it is possible to combine various sensors for simultaneous monitoring within the same alarm circuit.
As a back-up for added security, a simple, easy-to-use respiration monitor is available to indicate whether breathing ceases. This may be incorporated in the same circuit with other monitors, or it can be used independantly.
In order to assist potential users, a questionnaire can be filled out to allow the suppliers to suggest an appropriate system for the particular circumstances involved.
Example: An alarm that detects cessation of breathing and movement. 
Components:
A. AC power supply
B. alarm controller with sensitivity and alarm delay adjustment (with battery as backup)
C. coupler for the addition of more than one sensor
D. cessation of breathing controller with local alarm
E. cessation of breathing sensor (to be placed under the mattress)
F. movement sensor (under the mattress on foam pad)
G. remote alarm (to be placed in the room of caregiver)
