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 Movement Monitor is a trusted, clinically proven technology for quickly detecting, monitoring, and alerting a family member or caregiver to nighttime seizure activity involving continuous, repetitive faster movements (muscle jerking). It is used and marketed in Europe as an Epilepsy Seizure Alarm.

Embrace Watch by Empatica
The Embrace2 is a wristwatch worn device that is designed to detect and alert for tonic-clonic (convulsive) seizures after 20 seconds, and to monitor physical activity and rest. It transmits data to a paired smartphone and has the ability to alert others via a text message and phone call when certain seizure types occur. The system requires the person wearing the watch to have a compatible smartphone, which they must keep within approximately 25 feet.

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 highly 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 easily 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 quickly determine if action is needed. The device works in complete darkness, utilizes 256 bit encryption, does not require any internet connection to function. It supports up to 4 people monitoring at once either remotely or in the home, and can be easily taken with you when traveling.
The SAMi app is free to download, and the maintenance and new features are all at no cost.
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.

Portable Pulse Oximeter
Portable pulse oximeters 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.

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.
EPILEPSY MANAGEMENT MOBILE APPS

Nile / Mobile App
Nile’s smart phone app is a digital care management platform designed to connect patients with their care team, track symptoms and medications, and use data to support patients with their epilepsy treatment plan. Nile’s health care provider portal shows the status of a patient at-a-glance, and allows physicians to support their patients in between visits by providing educational content and alerting patients when seizures and side effects warrant contact. All patient-provided information can be accessed in real-time through a patient dashboard, and doctors can set thresholds for which events or side effects they want to be informed about. Even if your doctor is not using the Nile Portal, all reports can be shared electronically with your healthcare provider at any time. Nile also features a medication titration manager as another resource for providers. Click here to learn more.

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. Learn more at SeizureTracker.com.
- Visit the Website
- List Item

SEER Health Seizure Tracker App
Backed by decades of research, the Seer app uses your recorded events to indicate when you might be more or less likely to have a seizure.
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- Watch Our Webinar
- Visit the Website
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.
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. To learn more, visit www.neurotecheeg.com. Note, the DDF does not have grant funding available for this service.
- More Details
- Watch Our Webinar
- Visit the Website

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.