Bottom Line: Birdhouse for Epilepsy is designed specifically to help patients and caregivers manage epilepsy more effectively. With a Birdhouse account, the free version allows for a basic seizure journal, utilizing an iOS or Android device and a web app. The full version of the app is significantly more extensive, with the ability to track triggers, organize medications and much more.
To Download this app, please use these neat links that I have created to show your support for Smart Apps for Kids.
iPhone/iPad (FREE with monthly subscription option for full version)
Google Play (FREE with monthly subscription option for full version)
Web App: http://www.birdhousehq.com/epilepsy/
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No Ads, IAP --(subscription for full version), Yes links.
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When first starting out with Birdhouse for Epilepsy, you need to make an account. It is quick and painless, but if you are like me, the thought of starting an account for an app may have you whining on the inside. However, if you care for someone with epilepsy or have it yourself, it is worth it. Everyone begins with a free account. Set up is simple, and there is a wealth of information in the help section of the web site. The free account gives you the opportunity to track seizures in the notebook section of the app. The other functions of the notebook section, and many other features, are offered through a monthly subscription, which currently costs $9.99 a month. The free version also provides access to your account, the "learn" section that directs you to helpful information in your browser, support, the upgrade options, and information about the free 2-week trial.
If you have epilepsy or are caring for someone who does, you know how hard it can be to track and 
organize seizures, triggers, sleep patterns, food intake and any miscellaneous information that can effect seizure activity. This is where the free trial comes in handy. It is helpful to have a firm grasp on what the full version of the app has to offer before signing up for a subscription. The full version is definitely more robust. Of course, it has everything the free version has to offer, but the app, in conjunction with the web app, packs more of a punch. In the full version, under notebook, there are options for tracking seizures, triggers, food, sleep, medications given, contacts, mood, "something else", no seizures to report on a given day and miscellaneous events. A note can be added to each entry as well. The medication section is unlocked, so all medications, dosages, and frequency can be added. Also, a family member or doctor can be invited to share information using Birdhouse. When you tap the "learn" section on your device, you will be directed to your browser, where there is a wealth of information in the form of frequently asked questions, "how to" articles, and more. Using the web app, the caregiver or patient also has the ability to view trends in the form of graphs,
export information, set reminders, medications, edit your account and profile, and add events to the notebook just like you would on the mobile app. Several of these functions work best on a laptop or desktop computer.
The lite version appears to be somewhat bare-bones, especially at first glance. It is somewhat limited, in that you can only track
seizures. However, you can add notes to each one. If you have ever stared at your neurologist with that blank look because you
honestly have no clue how many seizures you have had in the last 6 months, even a simple seizure log is worth a download. It is clearly better that my current method, which I call "I hope my husband remembers". Those who care for children or adults who have frequent seizures would benefit from the full version or the free 2-week trial. The free trial offers a wonderful "try before you buy" experience. The full version's ability to add collaborators is extremely helpful as are the options to track triggers and use graphing to spot trends. When you have no idea why seizures are occurring and/or getting worse, it can be a scary experience. When you can add seizure information quickly and easily on a mobile device, you are more likely to do it. In addition to that, I was highly impressed at the level of support offered by Birdhouse.
I would like to see the contacts section separated from the notebook section, which the app says is 
"coming soon". Ideally, I would love to see the developer add a bit more to the free version. It would be nice to see the separate medication section and the seizure trigger option, within the Notebook, added to make the lite version just a touch more solid. It would be very neat to see word prediction in the medication section for those who are less familiar with medications or relatively new to epilepsy. Under triggers, it would be great to see suggestions for seizure triggers. Some people or parents have no idea what their seizure triggers are, and some caregivers are unsure, even when the individual with epilepsy may know.
Overall, Birdhouse for Epilepsy is an app that is worth a download. The free app is basic, but it serves a purpose. There is currently a two week free trial of the full version, which gives potential buyers plenty of time to make a purchasing decision. For anyone who may benefit from tracking seizures, triggers, other daily activities like sleep and food intake, sharing information with a collaborator, and spotting seizure trends, the subscription version of this app is likely to be for you. My rating is based on both the free and full versions of this app.
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Angie is celebrating the fact that her son tried a new food tonight with cookies and chips. *Smart Apps for Kids was paid a priority review fee for this post.
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