EpiMonitor is optimized to detect Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and motion data patterns that may be associated with primary or secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. To learn more about the features of EpiMonitor, please visit here.
EpiMonitor is FDA-cleared for children ages 6 and up. To determine whether it is a good fit for your child, we strongly suggest you consult your child’s doctor before purchasing. If your child is younger than 6, they can obtain a prescription from their doctor for off-label use (*the prescription requirement is only applicable to users in the US).
In this article, you can find answers to the most common questions asked by parents.
Will the wristband fit?
EmbracePlus has been designed to fit smaller wrists, with an adjustable and comfortable silicone strap that can be worn like any normal watch.
Here are the reference measures to assess if the band will be a good fit:
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S-M = 110-200mm → 11 to 20 cm (4.33 to 7.87 inches)
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M-L = 150-280mm → 15 to 28cm (5.10 to 11.02 inches)
Please refer to this article for additional information about bands: EpiMonitor Band Specifications
To measure your child’s wrist, you can either use a tailor’s measuring tape or create a simple measuring tool with a piece of paper, a pen, sticky tape, scissors, and a ruler. Here’s how:
- Wrap the tape snugly around your child’s wrist where they would wear a watch. Remember, the EmbracePlus should be worn about an index finger’s width from the wrist bone.
- Ensure the tape is tight and does not move., and note down the measurement.
- Get a piece of paper, a ruler, a pen, sticky tape, and scissors.
- Cut a narrow strip of paper (about 0.5 inches or 2.5 cm wide).
- Place one end of the strip on your child’s wrist where they would wear a watch. Remember, the EmbracePlus should be worn about an index finger’s width from the wrist bone.
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Use sticky tape to hold the strip in place for accuracy.
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Wrap the strip tightly around the wrist until it overlaps.
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Mark the point where the paper overlaps with a pen.
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Lay the strip flat and measure the distance between the starting edge and the mark using a ruler. Be precise and avoid rounding up.
Does my child need a smartphone?
Your child should have a dedicated compatible smartphone to pair the EmbracePlus (the medical wearable for EpiMonitor) with. Moreover, the dedicated smartphone should have Bluetooth and internet connection. This is because EmbracePlus needs to be within the unobstructed Bluetooth range (about 15 feet or 5 meters) from the smartphone at all times in order to send Alerts when it detects a possible tonic-clonic seizure.
It is not suggested to use EpiMonitor with tablets as EpiMonitor has been optimized for use on iOS and Android smartphones only.
Please note that caregivers should not install the EpiMonitor App or pair the EmbracePlus with their phone. They would only need to add their phone number with regular network service to the Caregiver’s List in the EpiMonitor App to receive the alert notifications. You will find more information on how the whole system works here: How does EpiMonitor work?
We understand that it can be tricky to keep EmbracePlus within the Bluetooth range from the paired smartphone when the user is a young child. We suggest using a running belt to hold the smartphone to make sure that the two devices are always within unobstructed Bluetooth range.
What about school?
The teachers should know that EmbracePlus is an FDA-cleared medical device that has been prescribed by a registered HCP that monitors possible tonic-clonic seizures. They should know how it works, and that your child should always have their phone with them as EpiMonitor needs to be paired with and connected to Bluetooth and internet at all times and that the wearer should always stay within Bluetooth range (5 meters/15 feet). Only in this case will it be able to send alert calls/SMS to the active caregivers when EpiMonitor detects a possible seizure event.
Alerts are sent via the internet, so a reliable connection is crucial. We recommend that the dedicated smartphone has a mobile data plan, as some schools may have WiFi restrictions.
It’s also important that the phone Is adequately charged. You may want to consider asking your child’s teacher if a phone charger can be kept in the classroom in case it’s needed.
Having someone close by to help your child during a seizure is extremely important. At school, this person could be a teacher or the school nurse. Start by asking if they’re comfortable assisting, and if so, ensure they are well-prepared and understand exactly what to do. We highly encourage you to set up an emergency action plan with them so they can quickly assist your child in case of a possible seizure event.
Teachers can also take on the role of a caregiver for your child, offering additional support during school hours. To make sure they are aware of how the alerts work, you can print out or email them this guide: A Guide to Being a Caregiver.
Will I receive false alerts?
EpiMonitor’s algorithm has achieved extremely high specificity in clinical studies with 98% accuracy rate for resting periods. However, it’s still possible that it may perceive some daily activities that involve repetitive and regular movements as possible convulsive seizures, and trigger a false alarm. Examples include activities like coloring a book, riding a bike or a car on a bumpy surface.
The good news is that canceling false alerts is simple! You can teach your child to do this through the EpiMonitor App or by pressing the side button on the device. To learn more about the steps to do so, please visit Cancelling false alerts on EpiMonitor.
False alerts are completely normal and indicate that the seizure detection algorithm is working as intended. EpiMonitor’s Sensing Precision feature allows you to adjust the detection algorithm to suit your child’s daily activity and needs. To learn more, we invite you to visit EpiMonitor Sensing Precision.
A little preparation can go a long way, and we hope these tips are helpful!