This page covers monitoring epilepsy seizures at night and the types of monitors currently available.
It also includes links to download seizure charts to help you keep a record of your child’s seizures.
You’ll also find a list of companies who provide equipment, apps and seizure alert subscription services, as well as possible sources of funding, including benefits, grants, social services and specialist charities.
Please note: Young Epilepsy does not endorse any of the brands, equipment or services listed. Details provided are for information only.
If you are considering purchasing a seizure monitor or alarm it’s important to speak to your doctor or epilepsy nurse. At the moment there’s not enough evidence to show they can guarantee someone’s safety during a seizure.
Monitoring seizures at night
If your child has seizures, you’ll naturally want to keep a close eye on them, even when they’re sleeping.
Around 20−40% of epilepsy seizures in childhood occur in sleep – much higher than in adults. With some epilepsy syndromes, seizures happen mainly at night.
Seizures that happen during the night are often called ‘nocturnal seizures’.
As a parent, you might be particularly anxious about nocturnal seizures, because you can’t be with your child all the time.
There are also seizures that tend to happen on waking.
To help your doctor look for any patterns, it can be helpful to make a note of when your child has seizures.
Tiredness and not getting enough sleep are common seizure triggers, so it’s important to establish good sleep habits.
Although anti-seizure medications can affect sleep, effective treatment of seizures is likely to improve sleep quality in the long run.
Many parents like the added peace of mind that seizure monitors, alarms and other equipment can provide.
Every child is different, so if you’re thinking about buying any nighttime safety equipment, you should speak to your doctor or epilepsy specialist nurse about it.
At present, there’s no evidence to show that seizure alarms or monitors can guarantee someone’s safety during a nocturnal seizure.
However, some families do find monitors useful as part of a plan for reducing the risk of nocturnal seizures.
But, research continues in this area. We’ll update you when more information becomes available.
Seizure charts and guidelines
To help you monitor seizures in your child, you can download seizure charts and guidelines by clicking on the links below:
Seizure monitor types
Below you’ll find information on the different types of monitors currently available.
Finding the right solution for you
A number of manufacturers produce a range of devices designed to alert you if your child is having a seizure.
Before buying any, though, you should contact some of them to find out which would be most suitable for your child.
They should spend some time with you finding out about your particular needs to see whether their device will work for your child.
They’ll need to know some basic information, such as your child’s weight and height, and what their typical seizures look like.
Rigorous testing
As with all medical devices, seizure monitors undergo rigorous testing and must be compliant with certain International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards.
At present, there is no evidence that seizure alarms or monitors can guarantee someone’s safety during a seizure.
But some people with children with epilepsy have found alarms and monitors helpful for reducing risk.
Research continues in this area. We’ll update you when more information becomes available.
VAT exemption on equipment
Some items designed for use by someone who is disabled or has a long term health condition are exempt from VAT.
The company selling you the equipment should tell you if that particular product is exempt from VAT.
In order for the government to waive VAT on your purchase, you just need to make a simple declaration about your child’s epilepsy at the time of ordering.
Find out more about VAT exemption.
Safety pillows
Safety or anti-suffocation pillows are normally made of soft, highly porous foam with greater airflow than ordinary pillows.
Their gently rippled surface has plenty of air cavities between the surface of the pillow and the net cover.
These pillows should not be used for babies and children under three years old.
Anti-suffocation pillows for children over three are available from Sleep-Safe.
Be aware that using safety pillows is a matter of personal choice and there is no evidence that they prevent death from suffocation or SUDEP.
Further information
The organisation SUDEP Action provides information and FAQs on different types of safety devices: