Apple ResearchKit Epilepsy Study News: Apple Watch Used to Identify Seizure Triggers

By Georgia Gana, Christian Post Contributor Friday, February 24, 2017

The latest study on epilepsy used the Apple Watch to gain insight into the specific circumstances that trigger seizures. Researchers used the Cupertino-based tech giant's ResearchKit platform to develop an app called EpiWatch, which records important information during epileptic seizures.

The 10-month study was conducted by Johns Hopkins University, in partnership with Thread Research. It was launched in September 2015 with a total of 598 participants. Over the course of the study, 1,500 seizures were recorded.

Apart from tracking seizures and identifying possible triggers, the EpiWatch also takes note of participants' medications and possible side effects. It also summarizes all the information so it can be relayed to a doctor anytime. Furthermore, participants are able to send a message to inform family members or caregivers that they are tracking a seizure.

According to Apple Insider, participants would open the app whenever they felt a seizure was coming. When EpiWatch is launched, the Apple Watch records information using the heart rate sensor and the accelerometer. The gyroscope in the participant's iPhone would also obtain data. This process takes about 10 minutes. As data gathering in ongoing, participants are tasked to respond to reflex and awareness testing, which is also included in the EpiWatch.

Results indicated that 37 percent of seizures were linked to stress while 18 percent was associated with sleep deprivation, 12 percent was connected to one's menstruation period and 11 percent was related to over-exertion. Other notable triggers include diet, missed medications, fever and infection.

With the increasing popularity of smartwatches and other wearable devices, there is value in using these technologies as a tool that can improve the lives of people with conditions that require constant monitoring. It can also pave the way for advancements in the different areas of the medical field.

"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 date collected in the study helps us take a step in that direction," said principal investigator Dr. Gregory Krauss.

The study will be presented at the 69th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Boston from April 22 to 28.