Open Seizure DetectorOpenSeizureDetector
Free, open source tools to detect tonic-clonic seizures and alert carers instantly.
Our Story
Benjamin
OpenSeizureDetector was created for our son, Benjamin, who has epilepsy.
We wanted a way to monitor him while he was alone in his room so we could care for him if he had a seizure, without one of us having to stay with him all the time.
We originally used a video monitor which was good to reassure us that he was ok, but relied on one of us looking at it or hearing an unusual sound to detect a seizure. We really wanted something to go 'beep' to alert us if he was having a seizure, so we could get to him quickly if needed,There were very few commercial seizure detectors available when we started, and they tended to rely on bed sensors...and Benjamin was refusing to sleep in a bed at that point, so I set about making one myself... which eventually turned into OpenSeizureDetector.
Over a decade later we have a seizure detection and alert system that will run on very low cost hardware (low end smartphone and a £35 watch), and which detects tonic clonic seizures reliably. It is completely open source so anyone can use, modify, or improve it.
Today there are users of OpenSeizureDetector all over the world.
We are continuing to improve OpenSeizureDetector, with developers helping with improvements, and users contributing data to help imporove the detection algorithms.
What is OpenSeizureDetector?
OpenSeizureDetector uses a smartwatch and an Android phone to monitor movement and heart rate to detect possible tonic-clonic seizures and alert carers immediately.
Designed for affordability and accessibility. It requires a basic Android phone and a compatible watch that costs from just £35. No subscriptions, or internet connection required. It is fully configurable by the user.
Smartwatch measures movement & heart rate
Android phone processes the data
Carers notified via SMS or WiFi
Screenshots of OpenSeizureDetector
Why Choose OpenSeizureDetector?
💰 Affordable
A compatible watch costs from £35, and works with a basic Android phone. See more in our FAQ.
🔓 Completely Open Source
View the code, modify it, audit it - full transparency and control. Browse source on GitHub.
⚡ Self Checking
The system continuously monitors its own performance to ensure reliability by alerting the user to problems. It will generate fault alerts if it does not receive data from the watch, the data does not arrive at the expected rate, heart rate not detected or low battery.
This ensures that the system will warn the user if it is not working rather than 'fail silently'.
🏥 Evidence-Based
~80% detection rate for tonic-clonic seizures based on real user data. Learn more.
The main issue reported by users is the number of false alarms from repetitive movements during normal activities (brushing teeth, washing dishes etc.)
⚡ Works Offline
No internet needed, no cloud servers, no tracking - just local alerts via WiFi or SMS.
Important: This system is not a medical device and has not been subjected to clinical trials. It is intended to support carers, not replace professional monitoring.
Further Information
👤 New Users
Get started with a step-by-step guide to installing and setting up the system.
📱 Existing Users
Usage tips, troubleshooting, data sharing, and latest updates for current users.
💻 Developers
Contribute to the project - source code, architecture, and development guides.
Latest News & Updates
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