Seizures during sleep can go unnoticed, which makes overnight monitoring an important part of epilepsy care for many people and their caregivers. Wearable devices like the Embrace2 can help by detecting certain types of seizures and alerting caregivers when they’re not around.

However, choosing a seizure-detection device can be overwhelming. One MyEpilepsyTeam member said, “I’ve been hearing about this medical alert device for people with epilepsy, but I haven’t been able to find one. How do I go about getting one?”

Read on to learn about the Embrace2 and EpiMonitor, what other seizure monitors are available, and what to consider when choosing one.

What Replaced the Embrace2?

The Embrace2 was a seizure-detection device that you could wear on your wrist like a watch. It didn’t have a screen, but it paired with phone apps to send alerts for any seizures it detected. The FDA cleared it to monitor for seizures in adults and children over age 6 in home or healthcare environments.

In 2024, the Embrace2 was discontinued from sale. Its manufacturer, Empatica, launched EpiMonitor in its place. Similar to the Embrace2, EpiMonitor is FDA cleared to help monitor seizures in adults and children over age 6 in home or healthcare environments.

People with an Embrace2 can also trade in their device for an EpiMonitor at a discounted rate.

EpiMonitor

EpiMonitor is an FDA-cleared system for ages 6 and above that includes a watch with a screen, called the EmbracePlus, and the EpiMonitor app. EpiMonitor is available through prescription only in the United States.

EpiMonitor helps detect tonic-clonic seizures. When it detects a seizure, the system calls and sends a text message to the caregivers who are registered with the app.

Unlike the Embrace2, the EmbracePlus watch has a display. And the EpiMonitor app has updated features like manual alerts, seizure and sleep tracking, and adjustable sensitivity. Its seizure detection level is comparable to that of a hospital EEG.

Though EpiMonitor has been cleared by the FDA only to detect seizures, Empatica is also researching ways to predict seizures before they happen. As of this writing, EpiMonitor users can opt in to a study that helps the manufacturer develop a seizure-predicting program.

Apps Connected to Smartwatches

There are a few apps that connect to Apple watchOS or Google Wear OS smartwatches to detect when someone has a seizure and alert their caregivers.

EpiWatch

EpiWatch is an app for the Apple Watch. The app is FDA cleared to monitor for seizures in adults and children older than age 5 in home or healthcare settings. It’s used only for tonic-clonic seizures, and it is available by prescription only.

Epipal

Epipal is another app that connects to smartwatches with watchOS or Wear OS. It, too, has tracking and alerts for tonic-clonic seizures, but it also has symptom tracking and medication reminder features. The FDA has not cleared EpiPal for use in detecting seizures.

Other Apps

Other seizure-monitoring apps include My Medic Watch, SeizAlarm, and Inspyre. Most apps require a paid subscription for ongoing monitoring, data storage, and alerting caregivers. Sometimes subscriptions have different tiers of pricing based on the features included, the number of caregivers you want alerted, and other features like location tracking.

Other Wearable Detection Options

NightWatch+ is a wearable seizure sensor that detects tonic-clonic, tonic, hyperkinetic, and myoclonic seizures. You wear the sensor around your arm while you’re sleeping, and it connects to an alarm station nearby.

The alarm station produces an audio and visual alarm when the sensor detects a seizure. The data is recorded in the NightWatch Portal web application.

NightWatch+ is certified as a Class IIa medical device under European Union regulations.

NightWatch+ US is an FDA-cleared version of the product that’s available by prescription only in the United States. It’s cleared for nighttime seizure monitoring in children ages 4 through 16 with certain types of motor seizures. It is not FDA approved for adults.

Camera Devices

Camera devices like the Sleep Activity Monitor, or Sami, detect seizures through a camera that picks up unusual movement when a person is sleeping. There’s no wearable component, and it can connect to a hub that works without an internet connection.

With Sami, caregivers can monitor their loved ones from an Apple iOS device using an app. The system records events so you can share them with your healthcare team.

False alarms are a common issue with seizure-monitoring devices. The Sami has customizable seizure-detection sensitivity to fine-tune its alerts to the person.

Sami hasn’t been cleared by the FDA, but you may be able to use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) funds to help pay for it.

Mattress Pads

Nonwearable detection options include specialized mattress pads like the AIRlert sensor. You place the pad on the mattress, under the sheets.

The sensor may detect movement associated with tonic-clonic seizures when you are sleeping on the pad. The system then sends an alert to a connected pager.

Other Devices To Alert Caregivers About Seizures

Though they don’t detect seizures, medical alert systems can still be helpful for people with epilepsy and their caregivers. Some medical alert systems can detect falls, track location, and include a button that you can use to alert your loved ones, call emergency support, and get help.

Examples of medical alert systems include LifeStation, the SOS Smartwatch by Bay Alarm Medical, and Medical Guardian.

Medical identification (ID) bracelets or epilepsy bracelets don’t monitor for seizures either, but they can help people with epilepsy get the care they need. Medical ID bracelets let others know about your condition, who to contact in case of a seizure, and what information to communicate to emergency services.