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What is an Epilepsy Bracelet?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

An epilepsy bracelet is a special bracelet that is meant to be worn by an epileptic. Also known as a Medical Alert Emergency Identification bracelet, it is designed to alert medical professionals to the medical condition of the patient. The epilepsy bracelet is a crucial precaution in the event a patient is physically unable to provide the information himself.

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that can render the person physically unable to speak during an episode or attack. During a seizure or convulsion, which can range from mild to the most severe form of a grand mal seizure, the patient may be in critical need of medical attention or drug intervention. The effects of epilepsy however, may make it impossible for the patient to speak and in some cases the patient may be rendered unconscious. If worn by the patient, a medical alert epilepsy bracelet can provide crucial information.

The epilepsy bracelet is a crucial precaution in the event a patient is physically unable to provide the information himself.
The epilepsy bracelet is a crucial precaution in the event a patient is physically unable to provide the information himself.

Most epilepsy bracelets will feature some type of warning symbol on the front. The symbol is designed to bring attention quickly to a medical professional in the event of an emergency situation. This may be in the form of a raised medical alert emblem, typically in red. Medical ID bracelets also come in various other patterns, colors, and designs.

The epilepsy bracelet may be available in a wide array of metals. Stainless steel, sterling silver, and solid gold are typically the most widely preferred. Customized lengths can be ordered from special dealers and companies as well. There are many online sources that feature variable selections. Some of the Internet websites and online stores also sell personalized medical alert wallet cards as an optional accessory.

Symptomatic epilepsy typically occurs as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
Symptomatic epilepsy typically occurs as a result of a traumatic brain injury.

Typically, information on the back of the epilepsy bracelet will include the patient's full name. The word "EPILEPSY" in bold black letters is most commonly seen. There can be variations, including terms such as "Epileptic" or "Seizure Disorder Patient." These pre-engraved types are standard, however, bracelets can be customized and engraved with other information the patient may prefer.

Paramedics are taught to look for epilepsy bracelets on patients experiencing seizures.
Paramedics are taught to look for epilepsy bracelets on patients experiencing seizures.

In choosing the desired information to have engraved, some individuals prefer to keep it simple and basic. In addition to listing the patient's name, preferred options include listing medications that are regularly taken. This would help to reduce a risk of drug interactions in a medical emergency. Paramedics generally need to be alerted of any medications the patient needs to receive in case of an emergency. Additionally, an emergency contact name and phone number is another option some people prefer to use.

Discussion Comments

hamje32

@nony - It’s quite possible that technology is already here. I know that they have medical bracelets for people with heart conditions. If they have a heart attack and suddenly collapse, the bracelet – or necklace – will set off an alarm and alert the hospital.

Paramedics can be there quickly and those few moments can mean the difference between life and death. I don’t see why they couldn’t do it for the epilepsy bracelet.

nony

@SkyWhisperer - I predict that the epilepsy bracelet of today will evolve into something even more useful in the future. I think it will be integrated with RFID chip technology.

This will enable you to store a lot of information on the chip attached to the bracelet. It might even be possible to store your whole epilepsy history onto the bracelet, providing paramedics and doctors with all the information they need to treat you properly.

SkyWhisperer

@Mammmood - I see your point. But you forget one important detail. Not everyone knows what medication you’re on, even if they can figure out your having a seizure.

Now this might be immediately important. During a seizure the paramedics focus on keeping you from hurting yourself until the spell passes. However, afterwards they do want to administer medication.

The bracelet provides this important epilepsy information. That’s the main point of the bracelet in my opinion, not to let the whole world that you have a certain medical condition.

Mammmood

Well, I guess I have mixed feelings here. I understand that the bracelet could be seen as a life saver in most circumstances. It lets people know that the patient is having a seizure.

However a person having a seizure doesn’t really need to let anyone know that they are having a seizure, do they? The symptoms are obvious – the jerking movements, loss of consciousness, biting of the tongue and so forth. What does a bracelet really accomplish?

Trained paramedics will know what’s going on and frankly most individuals will know too. There has been an increase in epilepsy awareness in the past few decades.

Many people know someone who has the condition or they’ve seen someone experience a seizure. It’s pretty obvious when it happens. The only reason I am hesitant about the bracelet is that it violates privacy. What if someone accidentally sees it when you’re not having a seizure? Do you see my point?

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    • The epilepsy bracelet is a crucial precaution in the event a patient is physically unable to provide the information himself.
      By: Andrew Lever
      The epilepsy bracelet is a crucial precaution in the event a patient is physically unable to provide the information himself.
    • Symptomatic epilepsy typically occurs as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
      By: Verity Johnson
      Symptomatic epilepsy typically occurs as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
    • Paramedics are taught to look for epilepsy bracelets on patients experiencing seizures.
      By: Monkey Business
      Paramedics are taught to look for epilepsy bracelets on patients experiencing seizures.
    • An epilepsy bracelet can prove useful in emergency situations.
      By: Tatyana Gladskih
      An epilepsy bracelet can prove useful in emergency situations.
    • A doctor may recommend an EEG scan for a patient who suffers from epilepsy.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A doctor may recommend an EEG scan for a patient who suffers from epilepsy.