Health Innovations

Inside the Foretell Study

Living with epilepsy often means facing uncertainty. Researchers at the Epilepsy Center at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute are working to change that through a large-scale, observational study, called the Foretell study (IRB #: 2024-1072), to determine if it is possible to improve seizure forecasting by combining information from electronic diaries with additional measurements. Previous research has shown that some people with epilepsy can forecast their own seizures. In this study, researchers aim to improve seizure forecasting accuracy by utilizing data collected from an electronic daily diary, wearing a Garmin Venu 3 watch, and providing saliva samples to test stress hormones. The ability to better forecast seizures could eventually help people with epilepsy prepare for or potentially prevent seizures.

Why It Matters

When asked about the background for the study, Michael Privitera, MD, Director of the Epilepsy Center, shares: “When we’ve surveyed people with epilepsy, many said, ‘If you can’t stop my seizures, if you can help me understand when the seizures might happen, that would make a big difference to my quality of life.” 

This study’s structured approach to tracking provides both patients and researchers with a shared view of what’s happening over time—data that could help epilepsy patients worldwide with seizure prediction.

For Dr. Privitera, seizure forecasting has a direct connection to both physical safety and mental health. “If a patient had this kind of information about seizure forecasting, they might be able to avoid things that might be dangerous.”

The Science Behind the Research

The study uses a combination of participant input, wearable technology, and biological measures to explore seizure patterns and contributing factors.

Dr. Privitera explains that while past research has focused on EEG brainwave activity, “in reality it’s not been very helpful,” since EEG changes happen only seconds before a seizure and “not very many people want to walk around with EEG electrodes on all the time.”

By instead collecting data from mobile tracking, wearable sensors, and saliva samples, researchers hope to identify broader patterns that could improve seizure forecasting and real-world usability.

The eligibility criteria is as follows:

1. 18 years of age or older
2. At least 1 seizure per month and no more than 14 seizures per month
3. Diagnosed with epilepsy that is not completely controlled with medication
4. Provides an indication that the patient can sometimes predict when seizures will occur

During the study, researchers compile and analyze:

• Patient-reported data: Participants log seizures, mood, and stress through a secure mobile app.
• Wearable sensor information: A watch device monitors heart rate variability, hours of sleep and other measurements of stress.
• Saliva samples: Measures stress hormone levels that may correlate with seizure activity.

The goal is to develop individualized algorithms that help doctors and patients better understand seizure risk windows—transforming daily data into actionable insights.

Life With Epilepsy: Practical Tips

While seizure prediction science continues to evolve, there are reliable steps that help people manage epilepsy today:

1. Track your patterns.
Use a seizure diary or app to note sleep, stress, and medications. Small patterns can reveal triggers—and help your neurologist tailor treatment.

2. Prioritize rest and consistency.
Missed sleep or irregular medication schedules are two of the most common seizure triggers.

3. Know your early warning signs.
Aura sensations, mood changes, or fatigue might hint at increased risk. Share these with your care team.

4. Build a “safety net.”
Let family, coworkers, and friends know how to help if you have a seizure.

From Research to Real-World Impact

This study is part of a larger effort to better understand and support people living with epilepsy. It builds on a previous project that focused on patient-reported information about seizures. In the Foretell study, the reporting process has been improved—redundant questions were removed, and the app now collects additional data to give a more complete picture of each participant’s experience.

Across the country, other researchers are exploring similar approaches with caregivers, highlighting how the field is moving toward more connected and personalized tools. The UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute’s Epilepsy Center is committed to advancing this work, with the goal of improving how seizures are understood, anticipated, and managed.

How UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute Leads

At the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, research and care go hand in hand. Serving Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky, we lead the region in epilepsy research and clinical trials and are among the most experienced centers in the nation. Designated by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers as the region’s only adult Level 4 accredited center, we operate two dedicated inpatient epilepsy monitoring units at UC Medical Center and West Chester Hospital.

Together, UC Health and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine are recognized nationally and internationally for research that transforms breakthrough science into real-world therapies for patients.

Learn more about the Foretell study or contact the Epilepsy Center at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute by calling 513-475-8730.