Developed by researchers at TUe, the Nightwatch bracelet is a smart wearable that is designed to warn caregivers of a patient suffering from nighttime epileptic seizures. Combining a heart rate sensor and a motion sensor, the tech-infused bracelet looks out for both unusually high heart rates as well as the rhythmic jolting characteristics of a seizure.
In its early development and testing, the Nightwatch bracelet was able to catch 85 percent of serious epileptic seizures and 96 percent of the most severe cases. This may not sound incredibly reliable, but it is drastically better than the current conventional bend sensor, which can only detect 21 percent of serious attacks.
In terms of alerts, the Nightwatch bracelet sends two different notifications, both of which can directly notify caregivers.
Seizure-Sensing Armbands
The Nightwatch Bracelet Ensures Caregivers Know of a Fatal Seizure
Trend Themes
1. Seizure-sensing Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced seizure-sensing technology that can accurately detect and alert caregivers of epileptic seizures in real-time.
2. Smart Wearables for Healthcare - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create smart wearable devices that combine multiple sensors to monitor vital signs and detect health emergencies, providing timely notifications to caregivers.
3. Improved Caregiver Support Systems - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design comprehensive caregiver support systems that integrate wearable technology and advanced notification systems to minimize risks associated with medical emergencies like seizures.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement advanced healthcare technologies like smart wearables and remote monitoring systems to improve patient care and enhance caregiver support.
2. Medical Devices - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative medical devices that utilize sensors and data analytics to detect and address critical health issues, such as epileptic seizures.
3. Assistive Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create assistive technologies that enhance the safety and well-being of individuals with medical conditions, particularly those prone to seizures, through real-time monitoring and timely alerts.