What type of seizures will these monitors detect?
Applicable to all models. The Medpage range of seizure monitors are designed to detect Tonic/Clonic seizures, which they do very successfully with the majority of patients. Partial or absence seizures would not be detected where only facial or occasional limb twitching occurs. It is not recommended to attempt to use a monitor to detect those seizure types.
How do the monitors work?
A sensor is placed between the bed base and the mattress. When a seizure begins the muscular convulsions are detected by the bed sensor(s). All models feature an adjustable delay control, used to allow a certain amount of movement before an alarm is generated. The bed sensor sensitivity level can be adjusted to compensate for patient weight, type of bed base and mattress type. All Medpage models feature anti-tamper alarm to warn if switched off by patient.
Is there an age or weight minimum/maximum limit?
Yes. For adults experiencing Tonic/Clonic seizures, the MP5, MP2 and ST-2 range, will successfully detect seizures from most patients on most bed types. Some exceptions should be noted; Air flow mattresses with noisy pumps can be problematic because strong constant vibrations will be detected resulting in a false alarm. Some thick memory foam type mattresses may impair detection of the movement sensor. If in doubt consult our help line.
For younger children, consideration of their weight and type of bed is required. The minimum recommended weight of child for use of a monitor sleeping in a cot/crib is 28Lb’s (12.7Kg). This applies to MP5, MP2, ST-2. If you have witnessed a seizure, it will help to identify the level of movement required for successful seizure detection. Jerking movements, rocking from side-to-side, and moderate shivering movements can be detected by the sensor(s). Occasional twitching of a limb or facial movements will not be detected.
If the child sleeps in a standard single bed (from the age of 3 and above) a dual sensor model such as the MP5-TWIN should be used. The MP5 has a good level of sensitivity adjustment that will compensate for most bed types. A small child sleeping in a double bed would be considered to be unsuitable for any monitor type.
The MP5 and MP2 incorporate a microphone that can be used to detect vocalizations preceding and during a seizure. The microphone alarm has an instant response alarm and is frequency tuned to human sounds such as gargling, choking, grunting. When used in conjunction with the bed sensor, the monitors are very quick to recognise seizure activity and raise an alarm.
All Medpage models are available with a 28 day money back guarantee. This is to provide a trial period to assess suitability of the product for the patients needs. Please note, we do not recycle monitors returned as unsuitable.
If there is any doubt whatsoever as to the suitability of a monitor for a patient we recommend a call to our help line (01536 264 869) for further advice/guidance. To help us help you click HERE for a brief questionnaire that you can complete and email back to use for further advice.
Read more about Medpage seizure monitors here
