Our Story
Empowering Lives Through Technology
SeizureBuddy was born out of a personal experience that changed everything. While riding in an elevator to attend a volleyball tournament, sixteen-year-old Claire Howell had a tonic clonic seizure. When she arrived in the lobby, people around her did not know what to do as they watched her collapsed and shaking. Some even wrongly assumed drugs were the cause. Finally, the paramedics were called, and she was taken to the hospital, not knowing where she was, what year, or where she had been the last few days. She was diagnosed with epilepsy and had suffered from post-traumatic amnesia as no one knew to protect her head during the seizure. Knowing how to respond during a seizure can make a huge difference, and can save lives.
About SeizureBuddy
Simplify Your Life
SeizureBuddy is an app designed to make the lives of epilepsy survivors safer and easier. When a person is having a seizure, it can be stressful and confusing for bystanders to know what to do and how to help. SeizureBuddy detects a seizure, via key biometric data monitored on an Apple Watch, and provides automatic audio instructions via your cell phone during the seizure. These audio instructions deliver critical real-time information to bystanders, preventing panic and accidental harm. In addition, SeizureBuddy will automatically contact caregivers and provide them the specific location where the person is having the seizure. SeizureBuddy technology ensures an extremely low rate of false alarms, ensuring epilepsy survivors are not discouraged from using the technology. SeizureBuddy understands the importance of accessibility, which is why SeizureBuddy is readily available on the app store, and is FREE to download and use for any Apple iPhone and Apple Watch users. Join SeizureBuddy on this journey to simplify your life and empower yourself today!
What makes SeizureBuddy unique? It offers a real time advisory system to bystanders, alerts caregivers providing them with the exact location of the person having the seizure, has a lower rate of false alarms, and tracks key biometric data that can be shared with your doctor. No other technology can do this today.
​
Real-time protection
​
SeizureBuddy is the only seizure app designed to protect you in the critical moment when you are having a seizure. When your Apple Watch detects all the key biometric data associated with a seizure, your phone will broadcast a previously recorded message so people near you will know exactly what to do. You can record the message yourself and tailor it to your specific preferences and care. In addition pre-scripted texts are sent to your emergency contacts with a geolocated map so they know exactly where to find you.
​
Advanced Technology
​
SeizureBuddy is the only seizure detection app which takes advantage of all of the detection power of the Apple Watch, including the optical heart sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope and other key biometric sensors. SeizureBuddy's algorithm analyses data from more than 24 biometric inputs to detect the biometric data most commonly associated with a seizure. That means dramatically increased accuracy and far fewer false alarms.
​
Coming soon: Unparalleled Insights
​
In the event of a seizure, SeizureBuddy automatically creates an instance report for you to share with your doctor. No more guesswork. From now on you will know exactly what was happening in your body before, during and immediately after your seizure. You will be able to show your doctor hard facts about your heart rate, EKG, breathing pattern, blood oxygen levels, involuntary motion and much more. These never before available insights will allow your doctor to identify patterns and improve your treatment on a level that was simply not possible before.
​
Seizures require immediate attention at the moment the seizure is taking place. While some apps exist which can call caregivers, unless those caregivers happen to be in the immediate vicinity, crucial time is lost and irreparable damage can be done from inactivity and/or erroneous actions from bystanders.
As an epilepsy survivor, I wanted an app that would protect me and other epilepsy survivors, in real-time, when having a tonic clonic seizure. SeizureBuddy audibly informs bystanders how they can help. Hearing clear instructions coming from your phone (e.g. think individual "emergency alert"), bystanders can act quickly and with less panic, and provide the time sensitive help needed.
WHAT IS
EPILEPSY
Common
​4 million people in the U.S. have epilepsy—3 million adults and 470,000 children. (See CDC’s definition below this text description.)​
​
Epilepsy has been one of the top 10 reasons for hospital inpatient stays among children aged 0 to 17 years.
​
​​Epilepsy has been one of the top 10 reasons for hospital inpatient stays paid by Medicaid in the U.S.​
Epilepsy is:
Challenging
56% of adults with epilepsy taking seizure medicine have uncontrolled seizures.​
​
42% of children with epilepsy live in homes at or close to the poverty level.​
​
32% of adults with epilepsy are unable to work.​
​
25% of the general public say they would be nervous around a person with epilepsy.​
Complex
People with epilepsy may:
Take many medicines each day.
​​Go to multiple doctors to find the right care.
​
​​Have trouble with school, jobs, and relationships.
​
​​Have depression or anxiety.
​
​Face stigma.​
CAUSES:
The causes of epilepsy can vary and include genetics, brain injuries, brain infections, tumors, stroke, and developmental disorders. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain imaging. Treatment depends on the type and severity of seizures and can include medication, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, surgery.
It's important for individuals with epilepsy to work closely with healthcare professionals to manage their condition and make necessary adjustments to their daily lives. With appropriate treatment and support, many people with epilepsy can lead fulfilling lives and control their seizures effectively.
PREVALENCE OF EPILEPSY:
Globally, it's estimated that around 50 million people have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological disorders. The prevalence of epilepsy varies across different countries and regions. In some low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence might be higher due to factors such as limited access to healthcare and increased risk factors for neurological disorders.
In high-income countries, the prevalence of epilepsy has been reported to be around 5 to 10 cases per 1,000 people. However, the prevalence can be significantly higher in some developing countries, reaching up to 15 to 20 cases per 1,000 people or more.
It's worth noting that epilepsy can affect individuals of all ages, but it's often more common in younger age groups.