Johns Hopkins launches epilepsy study using Apple Watch

Johns Hopkins University said yesterday it is launching the EpiWatch patient data collection app for Apple‘s (NSDQ:AAPL) Apple Watch to collect data for patients with epilepsy before, during and after seizures.

Data from the app will be used to analyze and better understand epilepsy, and to develop new methods for monitoring and managing the disease, Johns Hopkins said.

“Physicians often ask patients to record their seizures. But that can be hard, especially when a patient loses consciousness. EpiWatch collects data that help researchers better understand epilepsy, while helping patients keep a more complete history of their seizures. The app also provides helpful tracking of seizures, prescription medication use and drug side effects — activities that are important in helping patients manage their condition,” Dr. Gregory Krauss of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine said in prepared remarks.

With the EpiWatch module, patients complete interactive informed consent, track seizures in real time, answer research surveys and complete other tasks, Johns Hopkins said.

“Many patients have a brief lapse of awareness during their seizures that may not be apparent to them or to others around them. EpiWatch allows patients to find out for themselves if this is a problem so they can get more help,” Dr. Nathan Crone, M.D of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine said in a press release.

The EpiWatch uses Apple’s recently released ResearchKit, which enables individuals to turn iPhones and Apple Watches into medical research tools to gather data on various subjects.

“We’re honored to work with world-class medical institutions and provide them with tools to better understand diseases and ultimately help people lead healthier lives. In just 6 months, ResearchKit apps studying everything from asthma and diabetes to Parkinson’s disease, are already providing insights to scientists around the world and more than 100,000 participants are choosing to contribute their data to advance science and medical research,” Apple operations senior veep Jeff Williams said in a prepared statement.

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