Apple Watch identifies seizure triggers

Patients with epilepsy are hindered by the unpredictability of seizures. But patients may be able to identify the triggers leading up to a seizure with an Apple Watch. A recent study, presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 69th Annual Meeting, showed the wearable is capable of tracking seizures in epilepsy patients.

Researchers used the EpiWatch application, which can collect data on the Apple Watch and iPhone, to record participants' heart rates and movements. The 598 participants turned on the app when they felt the onset of a seizure. For 10 minutes, the watch tracked patients and asked them to complete responsiveness tasks. Participants were then given surveys assessing seizure types, aura, loss of awareness and possible triggers.

"The data collected will help researchers better understand epilepsy, while helping people with epilepsy keep a more complete history of their seizures," said study author Gregory Krauss, MD, of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "The app also provides helpful tracking of seizures, prescription medication use and drug side effects—activities that are important in helping people manage their condition."

Results included:

·        Of the 1,485 seizures, 177 participants reported triggers.

·        Stress, at 37 percent, was the leading cause of seizures.

·        18 percent reported a lack of sleep as a trigger.

·        12 percent reported menstruation.

·        11 percent reported overexertion.

·        Stress was more commonly reported as a trigger for those who worked full-time.

"Seizures are very unpredictable," said Krauss. "Our eventual goal is to be able to use wearable technology to predict an oncoming seizure. This could potentially save lives as well as give people with epilepsy more freedom. The data collected in this study helps us take a step in that direction."