Seizure Alert Devices, Apps and Medical Alert Identification

Seizure alert technology can bring peace of mind to people with epilepsy and their families. Not device can detect every seizure or prevent SUDEP, but many tools can help caregivers respond faster, reduce anxiety, and support greater independence. This page explains the main options available in Canada, how they differ, what they cost, and how to choose. These tools do not diagnose or treat seizures and are best used as part of a plan you make with your clinician.

The Role of Seizure Alerts – Epilepsy Foundation

Seizure Alert Fact Sheet – Epilepsy Foundation

Why seizure alert tools matter

  • Faster help when a seizure happens, especially if the person is alone

  • Reduced anxiety for families and individuals who want an added layer of safety

  • Night time protection when seizures may be missed during sleep

  • More independence for school, work, and community life

  • Useful data from some tools that log events and patterns for health care visits

How alerts usually work

Most tools use one or more of these signals: movement patterns that look like a convulsive seizure, changes in heart rate, falls, or unusual night time movements on camera. When the device or app believes a seizure may be happening, it sends a call, text, or notification to chosen caregivers and can include GPS location.

Medical grade wearable

EpiMonitor by Empatica [Subscription + device]

What it is: A medical grade system that pairs the EmbracePlus watch with the EpiMonitor app to detect patterns consistent with generalized tonic clonic seizures and alert caregivers by phone call and SMS. EpiMonitor is FDA cleared in the United States. Empatica now sells EpiMonitor instead of Embrace2. In the United States a valid prescription is required to ship. Canadians should check the Empatica order page for current availability and any requirements. 
Link: https://www.empatica.com/epimonitor/

Smartwatch apps with seizure alerts

These are consumer apps that run on Apple Watch or Wear OS watches. They are not licensed medical devices, but many families use them as an added safety layer.

Smartphone based seizure alert apps

These options work on the phone and can also pair with a smartwatch. They are often the most budget friendly way to start.

Night time seizure monitoring

For many families, night time monitoring is the top priority. These devices are designed for sleep.

Seizure alert watches that pair well with Android or iPhone

If you use an iPhone

If you use a Samsung or other Android phone

Free, budget friendly route: Garmin smartwatch + OpenSeizureDetector [One time device + Free app]

  • Watches to consider in Canada: Garmin Vivoactive 4 or Garmin Venu Sq 2 (Amazon.ca).
    Android app: OpenSeizureDetector on Google Play. The developer lists compatible Garmin models that support Connect IQ apps such as Vivoactive 4 and Venu Sq. Phone sends SMS or call alerts to your contacts. Strong battery life. Best for convulsive seizures. Phone must stay connected.
    App link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.org.openseizuredetector

Wear OS watch + subscription app

  • Choose a Samsung Galaxy Watch or Google Pixel Watch. Pair it with one of the apps below:
    • My Medic Watch – Seizure Alert Wear3 [Subscription. trial available] on Google Play. Compatible with Wear OS 3 watches like Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch. Google Play
    • SmartMonitor Inspyre [Subscription] on Google Play. Automatic shaking detection with GPS texting and phone call alerts. Works on Wear OS watches. Google Play
    • Epipal [Free basic, Subscription for premium] on Google Play. Simple interface, family sharing, medication reminders on paid tiers. Google Play

  • Medical grade path: Empatica EpiMonitor [Subscription + device]
    Purpose built, clinically validated system. Ordered directly from Empatica. Prescription required for shipments within the U.S.; Canadians should check current requirements on the order page. empatica.com+1
    Order page: https://www.empatica.com/store/epimonitor/

Tip for budget conscious families: Start with Epipal free on an existing Android phone and add a Wear OS watch later if you like how it works. Then compare against the paid Wear OS apps to see which alert style and caregiver features you prefer.

Medical alert identification

Even if you use a seizure alert device, a medical ID is important in emergencies.

  • MedicAlert Canada [Subscription + ID jewelry]
    Bracelets and necklaces linked to a health profile that paramedics can access quickly.
    Link: https://www.medicalert.ca/

  • Custom engraved medical ID jewelry [One time purchase]
    Engrave “Epilepsy,” key contacts, rescue medications, and allergies. Available through many pharmacies and online retailers.

  • Built in Medical ID on iPhone and Android [Free]
    Set up emergency info that can be viewed from the lock screen.

Quick cost guide

  • Free: Epipal basic plan. Built in Medical ID features on iPhone and Android

  • Subscription: Inspyre. SeizAlarm. EpiCentr. Epipal Premium. My Medic Watch. MedicAlert Canada. EpiMonitor service plan

  • One time purchase: Emfit MM. NightWatch+. SAMi 3 for basic use

  • One time plus optional subscription: SAMi 3 if you add cloud video storage

How to choose

Start with practical questions. What job do you want the device to do. Do you plan to use it outside the home. What kind of monitoring are you comfortable with. Who can receive and respond to alerts. What are the downsides and the costs. That framework helps narrow your choices before you shop.

  1. Match the tool to your seizures. Most options focus on detecting generalized tonic clonic seizures. Non motor or subtle focal seizures are harder to detect.

  2. Decide when monitoring matters most. Night time safety, all day coverage, or community independence point to different tools.

  3. Plan the alert path. Who gets the call or text, how many contacts, and what happens if no one answers.

  4. Consider your device ecosystem. iPhone works well with Apple Watch. Samsung and other Android phones pair with Wear OS watches like Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch. Garmin works with the free OpenSeizureDetector app on Android for certain models.

  5. Budget and trials. Some offer free tiers or trials. Check return and warranty policies before you buy.

  6. Talk with your health care team. Share seizure types, frequency, and your priorities. Ask how logs or reports can support clinical care.

  7. Know the limits. No device is perfect. False alarms can happen. Keep regular seizure first aid plans in place.

Watch setup checklist

  • Pick who receives alerts and confirm phone numbers and permissions

  • Test alerts at home so everyone knows what to expect

  • Keep watches and phones charged and paired. Allow the app to run in the background

  • Turn on critical notification and location permissions for the app

  • Review logs before appointments and update settings if seizure patterns change

Where to learn more or buy

Important: Features, pricing, and availability change.

Financial Supports & Grants

Danny Did Grant Program: If you are seeking funds to help with the cost of a device please head over to https://www.dannydid.org/epilepsy-sudep/devices-technology/ to review and research the product options, and then complete the application. (Note, the DDF does not provide funding support for every system listed.) Danny Did Grant Application Form