EpiWatch, developed through research at Johns Hopkins Medicine, has achieved a major milestone with its recent FDA 510(k) clearance. This innovative app is designed to work seamlessly with the Apple Watch, offering a non-invasive, wearable solution to detect seizures in real time. Its main focus is on identifying tonic-clonic seizures — the most severe type, which involve intense convulsions and loss of consciousness.
The app continuously monitors physiological data, such as movement patterns and heart rate, using the sensors embedded in the Apple Watch. If a potential seizure is detected, it can alert caregivers or emergency contacts, helping to ensure rapid assistance and medical intervention when needed. This real-time detection feature offers peace of mind for people living with epilepsy and their loved ones.
Beyond seizure detection, EpiWatch offers a range of features aimed at improving day-to-day epilepsy management. Users can receive personalized medication reminders to maintain treatment adherence and avoid missed doses — a common trigger for seizures. Additionally, the app tracks possible environmental or behavioral triggers and allows users to log seizure events, which can then be shared with healthcare providers during appointments.
The app also supports mental health monitoring, recognizing the close connection between epilepsy and psychological well-being. By offering tools for mental health screening, EpiWatch empowers users to keep a closer eye on symptoms of anxiety or depression, which are often underdiagnosed in epilepsy patients.
With this FDA clearance, EpiWatch is poised to make a significant impact on how epilepsy is managed, offering a more connected, proactive, and data-driven approach to care.