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Seizures can come at any time and happen anywhere — at school, at work, or even while traveling. When a seizure does happen, the people around you might not recognize what’s happening or know what steps to take.
This can be dangerous, especially if you’re injured while having a seizure or if you don’t receive the right treatment. An epilepsy bracelet or another form of medical identification (ID) lets others know what to do if you have a seizure.
Read on to learn about the different types of medical IDs, where to find them, and how they can help.
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A medical ID is one of the easiest, most recognized, and most effective ways to communicate about medical conditions in an emergency. Medical ID bracelets usually don’t require service, upkeep, or batteries that could run out.
Medical IDs can come in the form of bracelets, necklaces, wallet ID cards, dog tags, bag tags, charms, pendants, and key fobs.
This variety of options allows people to choose how to carry important medical information with them. One MyEpilepsyTeam member shared, “I always wear an ID necklace. If you don’t want it to show, you can tuck it under your shirt. You can also wear an anklet or bracelet.”
Most medical jewelry allows you to engrave key medical information such as your condition, current medications and dosages, and emergency contact information.
In the United States, medical ID bracelets and other types of ID usually have the “star of life” symbol, representing emergency medical services. This signifies the wearer has a medical condition that emergency services staff should note.
Epilepsy jewelry is just one form of medical ID. Here are some alternatives worth exploring.
It can be challenging to speak when you have a seizure. Audio medical IDs are small audio recorders that clip onto your clothing. They allow you to save information in an audio file for emergency responders to hear.
You can record a message that includes details about first aid or any relevant medical information. These devices allow first responders to press play and listen to your prerecorded information and directions.
There are a variety of seizure monitoring devices and apps. If you have an iPhone and Apple Watch, the SeizAlarm app can help monitor for possible seizure activity and send alerts to people you choose as emergency contacts. However, it’s not an FDA-approved or FDA-cleared medical device, and it doesn’t contact 911 directly.
The app will also alert your emergency contacts automatically when it detects seizurelike movement. It will also alert them when a low heart rate is detected. With this information, your contacts can check on you and make sure you get help if you need it.
Some people opt for medical ID tattoos, which provide the same identifying information as traditional medical IDs.
One member of MyEpilepsyTeam said, “My epilepsy bracelet keeps on breaking, and I have to buy a new one. I am thinking of having a tattoo that says I suffer from epilepsy.”
However, these tattoos aren’t for everyone. If your seizures are uncontrolled and unpredictable, it may be better to wait on a tattoo. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine whether it’s safe for you to get a tattoo.
If you decide to get a tattoo, let your tattoo artist know that you have epilepsy. They may take precautionary measures to prevent you from injuring yourself in case a seizure does occur.
Some smartphones have features that let people access specific types of medical information from the lock screen. This allows medical professionals to see your health information without needing a password for your phone.
If you have an iPhone, you can set up a smart medical ID by following these instructions.
If you have an Android phone, you may have a Personal Safety app to add your medical information and emergency contacts. Follow these instructions to set this up.
If your phone doesn’t have built-in emergency medical information features, you may need to download an app. Simply search for “medical ID app” on your phone manufacturer’s app store.
Near-field communication (NFC) allows smartphones and other similar devices to communicate with other technologies and transfer information — including medical information — over short distances.
If you have a wristband, wallet card, or key fob that uses NFC, medical personnel can access your information on a secure website in case of an emergency. Include anything you think would be important in an emergency, including care plans, prescriptions, and medical documents.
Examples of NFC products include Knock ID (an NFC-enabled medical ID card) and MyID (a medical ID bracelet that includes NFC and a QR code).
Medical alert systems are wearable devices that can alert emergency services and your emergency contacts when you activate them by pressing a button on your watch or pendant. The alerts are usually routed through the company’s services, which can contact emergency services with your location and medical information.
Examples of medical alert systems include LifeStation, Medical Guardian, and Bay Alarm Medical.
Several programs offer free or discounted medical IDs for people with epilepsy.
If you cannot afford a medical ID or epilepsy bracelet, you may be able to get one for free. For instance, the MedicAlert Sponsored Program provides a medical ID to people with chronic conditions such as epilepsy who are also facing financial hardship.
To apply, visit the MedicAlert website and fill out an application. You will need proof of income, a recent tax return, and documentation of any unearned income such as Social Security, workers’ compensation, and contract work, if applicable.
If you’re approved, you’ll get one year of MedicAlert’s Safe & Found Plan, which includes family notifications, a response team, and health information storage.
Epilepsy Alliance America offers a Seizure ID Program that provides a $35 credit toward a MyID medical ID bracelet. MyID offers medical ID bracelets, tags, wallet cards, or stickers.
Fill out the form on Epilepsy Alliance America’s Seizure ID Program website to get your coupon code. Then, you can make your purchase from MyID’s website.
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I wear one as I live by myself and go out by myself. I ordered mine on Amazon and have my medications and emergency contacts engraved on it.
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