Smartwatch App Could Become a Lifeline for People Living With Epilepsy

A new study published in Neurology Open Access suggests that a smartwatch-based seizure-detection app could become an important safety tool for people living with epilepsy, particularly those at risk of tonic-clonic seizures, which can lead to falls, breathing problems and, in some cases, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Researchers found that the EpiWatch app, used on a smartwatch, detected 46 of 47 tonic-clonic seizures during monitored testing, giving it an accuracy rate of about 98%, while also producing a far lower false-alarm rate than many existing seizure-detection devices. The study involved 242 children and adults with epilepsy who were monitored in a specialised hospital unit using both video-EEG and the smartwatch app, allowing researchers to compare the app's alerts against clinically confirmed seizures. The findings are important because fast, reliable alerts can help caregivers respond quickly with first aid or emergency support, while fewer false alarms make the technology more practical for long-term everyday use. Although the app is not a cure and should not replace medical care, the research points to a future in which discreet, wearable technology could help make life safer and less uncertain for people living with uncontrolled epilepsy.