How can technology improve accountability in seizures?
Improving Accountability in Seizures with Technology
Seizures can be scary and dangerous, both for the person having the seizure and for bystanders. With the right technology, we can improve accountability during seizures to keep people safer and better understand these episodes.
Wearable Devices Detect Seizures
Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers are getting really good at detecting different types of seizures . These devices use sensors to track things like heart rate, movement, and skin temperature. Using algorithms, they can identify patterns that may indicate a seizure is happening or about to happen .
This seizure detection can automatically trigger alerts to caregivers or emergency services, getting help to the person faster. It also creates a record of when seizures happen and how long they last, which helps doctors make better treatment decisions.
Camera and Audio Devices Monitor Seizures
Other devices can monitor seizures using cameras or audio. Special seizure monitoring cameras like those from Epilepsy Solutions use motion sensing and artificial intelligence to identify seizure activity and send alerts . These cameras are less invasive than wearables since they don’t need to be attached to the person.
Audio recording devices can also listen for sounds like choking or shouting that may indicate a seizure. Machine learning algorithms can detect these seizure sounds and notify caregivers .
Logging Seizures Provides Insights
In addition to quickly detecting seizures, logging them over time can uncover valuable insights. Identifying seizure triggers like lack of sleep, stress, or forgotten medication can help prevent future episodes. Analyzing seizure duration and frequency helps doctors know if treatment adjustments are needed.
Logging seizures consistently takes diligence, especially right after a seizure when people are disoriented. Automated seizure detection takes this burden off patients and caregivers. It also provides much more complete and accurate data than manual logging.
Privacy Concerns With Seizure Monitoring Tech
While seizure monitoring technology provides many benefits, it also raises privacy concerns. Continuous audio and video recording, even in a person’s own home, makes some understandably uncomfortable. There is potential for data leaks or unauthorized access.
Companies making these devices must prioritize data security and put safeguards in place. Video and audio recording should only happen during detected seizure events. Users should be able to delete data at any time. Health providers should undergo training on handling sensitive data.
Laws Must Evolve With Seizure Tech
As advanced seizure monitoring technology becomes more common, laws and regulations need to evolve to keep pace. There are currently no laws specific to seizure monitoring devices, so companies set their own rules. Updated laws should give users more control over their data.
There also need to be anti-discrimination protections for those using seizure monitoring tech. Employers or insurers should not be able to penalize people over what these devices capture about their disability.
Lawmakers must collaborate with medical experts, ethicists, and patient advocates to craft policies that balance innovation, privacy, and social good .
Accessibility and Affordability Are Key
To fully realize the benefits of seizure monitoring tech, it must be accessible and affordable to all who need it. Unfortunately, some devices have hefty price tags, putting them out of reach for many.
Insurance companies should cover these technologies given their proven benefits. Nonprofits and government programs should also help subsidize costs. Devices and apps should be designed for people with disabilities and different tech comfort levels.
No one should miss out on potentially life-changing seizure monitoring because of socioeconomic status. Equity must be a priority as this technology advances.
Empowering People With Seizures
At its best, seizure monitoring technology gives power and autonomy back to people living with seizures. It allows them to manage health on their own terms, while feeling secure that help will arrive if needed.
As this technology evolves, user privacy, access, and control should remain central. With thoughtful implementation, seizure monitoring tech can transform lives for the better.
References
https://www.epilepsy.com/article/2014/3/seizure-detection-devices
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6013760/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152912/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/cmmm/2018/3027397/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6616181/