Are you thinking of getting a medical alert epilepsy bracelet? Some people with seizure disorders choose to wear epilepsy bracelets. Wearing a bracelet may let other people know about their condition when they’re unable to speak for themselves during (and after) a seizure. That said, there is no guarantee that other people will see them or understand what they mean.
Let’s learn about the different kinds of epilepsy medical alert bracelets that are available, how they work, plus some of their advantages and limitations.
What is an epilepsy bracelet?
Epilepsy bracelets are a form of medical ID that are typically worn on your wrist (though they can be worn around your ankles too). They use words and symbols to alert medical staff (particularly ambulance workers) that you have epilepsy.
During seizures - and often in the posti-ictal period after a seizure - people with epilepsy may be unable to respond or provide clear information about their condition and needs. Wearing an epilepsy medical alert bracelet may help first responders understand a person’s condition and needs.
Medical staff are trained to look for medical ID and bracelets when patients can’t speak for themselves. First responders often look for medical alert jewelry when treating patients. However, it’s not possible to guarantee that the first responder will see the bracelet or understand its meaning.
There is no standard way for designing medical alert bracelets, but it is very common for them to have the ‘snake and staff’ symbol of medicine on them. This alerts first responders that you have been diagnosed with some kind of medical condition. Many medical bracelets allow you to include additional information about your condition.
Epilepsy bracelets - from simple to sophisticated
There are many different kinds of epilepsy medical alert bracelets out there, from very simple silicon wristbands, right through to internet-connected devices that give first responders a link to your medical records. Speak to your doctor for advice about wearing epilepsy bracelets.
- Generic epilepsy medical alert bracelet
The most basic options tend to be silicone wristbands. These usually can’t be customized, and simply have a word like ‘Epilepsy’ written on them. Various websites sell these.
- Customizable epilepsy bracelets
If you want an epilepsy bracelet that contains more information, then there are several companies that allow you to print your own message onto the wristband (space is often limited to a couple of words).
- Engraved medical epilepsy bracelets
If you want to include more information on your epilepsy bracelet, some companies allow you to engrave useful information onto a bracelet, including details such as your seizure disorder, phone numbers, information on allergies, and even QR codes which have links to more information.
- Epilepsy bracelets with paper inserts
If you want to provide more information to first responders, you might want to consider a bracelet that has space to carry a small paper slip that includes additional information about your condition and how to provide treatment.
- NFC epilepsy bracelets
The most technologically advanced epilepsy medical alert bracelets use ‘near field communication’ (the same tech used in your credit card for contactless payments). If a first responder sees you are wearing an NFC medical bracelet, they may be able to hold their phone close to it, and access far more information about your condition.
There are various companies offering this sort of product, and some have a subscription service, where you pay for them to store your data.
What information should you include in an epilepsy bracelet?
If you’ve chosen an epilepsy bracelet where you can add your own information, then you might be wondering what to include. Ask your doctor for advice - they can tell you what’s most important for your specific situation.
- Your name
- Which kind of epilepsy you have
- At least one telephone number for a family member
- If there’s space, information on your medication and allergies
- Again, if there’s space, you might want to include a few words about what not to do if you’re having a seizure. For example: “do not put anything in my mouth”.
Learn more: Seizure first aid
Can you get epilepsy bracelets for free?
You may be able to request a free epilepsy bracelet from:
- Your local hospital
- Your local Epilepsy Foundation
- Epilepsy non-profits
- Epilepsy centers
Advantages and limitations of epilepsy bracelets
It’s worth thinking about the advantages and limitations of choosing to wear an epilepsy bracelet.
Benefits of epilepsy bracelets
- Peace of mind: You might find that it gives you peace of mind wearing this kind of bracelet. They might help first responders more quickly understand your condition - although there’s no guarantee they’ll definitely see or understand the bracelet.
- May help first responders: Finding an epilepsy bracelet may mean first responders have more information when deciding how to care for you. Again, there’s no guarantee that first responders will see the bracelet.
Limitations of epilepsy bracelets
- Lack of standards: There is currently no standard information or designs to include on epilepsy medical bracelets. This means information may be represented in different ways, which can make them hard to understand.
- May be unclear: Particularly with simpler wristbands, the lack of information can be confusing for first responders, and could even lead to misdiagnosis. For example, cardiac arrhythmia - which is a potentially life-threatening event - can cause symptoms that might be mistaken for an epileptic seizure. So, if someone’s wearing a bracelet that says “epilepsy” but they’re having a cardiac arrhythmia, it’s plausible that a first responder might be influenced by the bracelet and assume the person is having a seizure - even when it’s actually something else.
- No guarantees: There is no guarantee that first responders or people giving first aid will see or understand the bracelet.
- Stigma: Sadly, people with epilepsy still face prejudice. Wearing a wristband that states you have the condition could mean some people treat you differently.
If you’re thinking about wearing a bracelet for epilepsy, speak with your doctor. They can advise you about if it’s worth wearing one, how to get one, and what information to put on the bracelet.
