SAMi: A high-tech solution for nocturnal seizures
By Trevor Larson
We first developed SAMi in 2009 when we learned that our youngest son James was experiencing seizures during sleep. Like many parents, we didn’t know what we didn’t know. It took a family vacation where we slept together in close quarters to witness the first nocturnal seizure. After that, we knew we knew we needed a device that could watch over our son at night without us having to co-sleep. We tried wearables and other existing monitoring devices but none of them worked or we received too many false alarms. So, we modified a camera of our own and created the first version of SAMi for our own personal use.
Over the years we refined the SAMi’s design by tweaking the detection algorithm to create a more reliable system that reduced false alarms and ignored regular sleep activity, like rolling over. Then, in February 2012, the Epilepsy Foundation announced its first annual Shark Tank competition to fund devices with near-term benefits for people with epilepsy. We entered the competition with the version of SAMi we used at home. After presenting to an audience and a panel of judges, we were voted the most innovative concept and won a grant to commercialize the development of SAMi to support the epilepsy community.
Twelve years later, SAMi has gone through many interactions to become what it is today – a device that can be configured to alert to both rhythmic (repetitive) and non-rhythmic movement in the face, extremities, or full-body movements, even when someone is under bed covers or in a crib. SAMi is customizable so you can choose how much motion SAMi should look for, and how long to wait until setting off the alarm. The device can also automatically record HD video/audio of any motion throughout the night, which can be reviewed or shared with a doctor.
When abnormal movement is detected, the SAMi app triggers the alarm and displays live video and audio, so the caregiver can determine if action is needed. The device works in complete darkness and does not require any internet connection to function. The SAMi app is free to download and there is no monthly subscription fee to use it.
Today, SAMi remains 100% owned and operated by our family. Our eldest son Matt is running the company, contributing a fresh perspective and an understanding of new technologies and opportunities for the SAMi product to grow. James is also working for the company in between being a new Dad and his personal training business that focuses on programs for people living with physical and intellectual challenges. Thankfully he’s seizure-free, but he still uses SAMi to monitor himself just in case!
We remain committed to continued work with our Charity Partners like JoshProvides, which gives hope to so many. As discouraging as it is that insurance rarely covers a product like ours, we will work alongside the Epilepsy Foundation and all the non-profits to bring national attention to the struggles of families living with epilepsy.
To learn more about how SAMi, watch SAMI’S video below:
Trevor Larson
VP of BizOps, SAMi
Visit SAMI’s website to learn more and purchase a SAMi Camera today: www.samialert.com
