Useful apps for people living with epilepsy

There are so many different types of technology that claim they can help people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Technology Guide is here to help you make sense of all of these. It covers devices, monitors, cameras, and also contains lots of information on apps that can help to manage epilepsy.

Living with epilepsy can feel isolating, but many people have similar questions and concerns. Apps won’t be the answer for everyone, but having clear, trusted information can help you feel more confident in exploring your options.

Apps can’t prevent seizures, but they can play an important role in helping people feel safer, more confident and supported. But, with so many options available it can be difficult to know what will be useful, safe and right for you. The Epilepsy Technology Guide information on apps has been developed to help make sense of what is out there and provides lots of information on apps that can help people living with epilepsy.

Whether you are exploring apps that detect seizures, track epilepsy symptoms, or contain medical information, the guide brings these apps together in one place.

This page explores the different types of apps listed in the guide, who they might be helpful for, and how to compare your options.

Why are apps helpful for people living with epilepsy?

If you have epilepsy, you might want to use an app to help with day-to-day management. In particular, apps can help to:

• Detect seizures or falls
• Track seizures, triggers and other symptoms
• Provide emergency medical information

Some apps can link to a smartwatch, which can help provide reassurance by detecting a fall and alerting others or monitoring physical signs at the onset or during seizures.

Apps can also help by:

• Recording seizure activity
• Storing data such as heart rate or movement during seizures
• Providing information about epilepsy first aid
• Sending medication reminders and supporting day-to-day management

Used in the right way, apps can help you feel more informed and better prepared. They can help you become more confident in speaking up for your needs in healthcare appointments. It can be difficult to advocate for yourself when living with epilepsy, and as well as information on apps, we have lots of information and on how to speak up for your needs.

What are the limitations of apps?

It’s important to have realistic expectations about what apps can and can’t do, so you can make informed choices.

Epilepsy-related apps:

• Cannot prevent seizures
• Vary widely, so you need to make sure that you know what the app is designed to do

For this reason, apps should be seen as one part of managing epilepsy, not a replacement for medical care.

With so many apps available, it can be difficult to know what is useful, safe, or right for you. That’s why we created a dedicated section about apps in the Epilepsy Technology Guide.

The Guide brings together a wide range of epilepsy related apps in one place, including:

• Factual information on different apps
• Comparison to other apps so that you can make an informed decision about what is right for you
• Reviews from people within the epilepsy community on the apps that they have used, so that you can be as informed as possible before deciding to use an app

Apps can support many aspects of day-to-day epilepsy management. There are a range of apps in the Technology Guide that focus on:

• Seizure detection
• Epilepsy management and tracking
• Epilepsy healthcare and emergency information

Seizure detection apps

These apps are intended to detect seizures, often through connection to a wearable device, such as a smart watch. They detect seizures by monitoring things like heart rate, oxygen levels or irregular movement.

If you’re not sure what seizure detection app is right for you, it might be helpful to think about whether the app:

• Detects seizures or falls
• Integrates with a wearable device
• Notifies emergency contacts
• Shares your live location
• Is available on iOS or Android

Epilepsy management and tracking apps

Many people with epilepsy keep a medication or a seizure journal to help manage their epilepsy and triggers. This can help you make sure you’re taking the right medication, identify any common triggers, and also keep track of your mood, auras or anything else that might be relevant. There are a range of apps that can help support tracking of your epilepsy symptoms.

If you’re not sure what epilepsy management app is right for you, it might be helpful to think about whether the app:

• Has a medication tracker
• Has a seizure tracker or diary
• Has a mood tracker
• Notifies caregivers
• Is available on iOS or Android

Epilepsy healthcare and emergency information apps

Many apps provide information on epilepsy first aid, healthcare information, emergency contact information, and assessing your personal risks. Some apps can also help when you attend medical appointments.

If you’re not sure what epilepsy management app is right for you, it might be helpful to think about whether the app:

• Provides information on epilepsy first aid for the type of seizures that you experience
• Provides healthcare information
• Helps with emergency contact information/medical ID
• Notifies caregivers
• Is available on iOS or Android

How do I know what app is right for me?

Many of the apps in the Epilepsy Technology Guide include ratings from people living with epilepsy and their carers. These reviews are from their experiences using that app, and provides ratings on:

• Ease of use
• Features
• Functionality and performance
• Design

Hearing from others can help you feel more confident when deciding whether a particular piece of technology might be right for you. Many people say that knowing what worked, or didn’t, for someone else helped them feel less alone in making a decision. If you’ve used an app, we’d love you to share your experience!

Help shape the Epilepsy Technology Guide

Technology is constantly changing and experiences vary from person to person. We want the Guide to reflect what really helps people living with epilepsy, so if you have experience with using epilepsy-related technology, whether it’s included in the Guide or not, we’d love to hear from you!

Summary

Apps can’t prevent seizures, but they can play a valuable role in helping people feel safer, more informed and better supported in their day-to-day lives. Whether you’re looking for ways to feel more in-control of your triggers, want to make sure you take your medication as prescribed, or want ways to share information with your healthcare team, taking the time to explore your options can help you make choices that feel right for you.

There is no right or wrong decision, only what matches your needs, preferences and circumstances. The Epilepsy Technology Guide brings this information together in one place to support you in making an informed choice.