Monitoring nocturnal seizures through a simple bedside lamp

For families living with epilepsy, nighttime frequently brings constant anxiety rather than restful sleep. Nearly half of parents caring for a child with the condition report that they rarely or never feel properly rested due to persistent worry over undetected nocturnal seizures. Existing monitoring methods often rely on skin-worn sensors or intrusive body straps that can irritate patients, interrupt rest, and cause significant distress. Emerging from research at the Instituto de Telecomunicações and Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, Lampsy Health was created to address this nocturnal care gap. Founders Vicente Mayer Garção, Leonor Pereira, and Joana Pinto set out to design an unobtrusive device that protects patient comfort while giving caregivers confidence.

The Portuguese startup resolved this daily challenge by embedding advanced optical sensors into an everyday household item. Their flagship device functions as a modern bedside lamp while housing a background monitoring system that operates quietly in the living space. Built with a compact frame and a practical handle, the lightweight unit moves easily between rooms without complicated mounting procedures or structural changes. Initial setup takes around ten minutes using a connected mobile application and a standard wall socket. Because the hardware sits on a table rather than on the body, users avoid the discomfort of skin patches or wearable wrist bands entirely.

At the heart of the hardware is a computer vision network designed to recognise specific motor patterns associated with tonic-clonic seizures. Continuous background scanning operates around the clock, using infrared illumination so that monitoring functions seamlessly in complete darkness as well as daylight. When the algorithm identifies movements indicative of a convulsive seizure, the unit immediately routes real-time alerts to designated emergency contacts. An integrated status light provides simple visual reassurance that the system is active and connected. By eliminating the requirement for constant physical oversight, the system restores independent sleeping routines for both patients and caregivers.

Clinical validation remains a central pillar of the engineering team's work in Lisbon. Lampsy Health has established partnerships with several major local hospitals to validate device performance against established clinical standards. Early testing data indicates movement detection accuracy exceeding ninety-seven percent, offering reliable notification during critical medical events. To support final development stages and navigate European Union Class I medical device certification, the company raised two hundred and thirty thousand euros in funding led by the Ageas Foundation. This capital backing helps ensure the device meets strict regulatory criteria before wider distribution.

Demand for invisible health monitoring has grown rapidly, with more than five thousand people joining the waiting list ahead of the scheduled September rollout. As the company prepares to showcase its progress at Web Summit 2026, the device is already entering distribution across the European Union. CEO Vicente Mayer Garção and CTO Leonor Pereira view this launch as a vital step toward reducing the daily burden of chronic condition management. By turning medical hardware into a gentle domestic object, the team demonstrates how continuous patient monitoring can become effective without feeling intrusive.

Find out more at lampsyhealth.com