NEURO-DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

Epilepsy Monitoring: Unit (E.M.U.)

A technologist measures the patient's head and marks the locations for each electrode (about 24 electrodes). Each location is prepped with a special solution. The tech attaches the electrodes to the patient's scalp with a paste-like material and glue that is dried with a stream of air. The electrodes are checked for adequate connection.

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit provides detailed, continuous EEG and audio-video monitoring to accurately study and record seizures over an extended time. Information obtained in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is used to:

• Evaluate persistent seizures that do not respond to treatment -Classify the type of seizure

• Locate the area of the brain from which the seizures originate.

• Evaluate non-epileptic type of events, i.e. headaches / migraines, syncope, dizziness etc.

• Differentiate seizure events from seizure-like events

Analyzing behavior and EEG seizure patterns can aid in determining the drug or surgical treatment most likely to be successful. Monitoring and recording of several events is necessary to determine where the events are originating in the brain. The hospital stay varies for each patient from 24 to 96 hours.

When testing is finished, the tech removes the electrodes and residual glue from the patients scalp and hair. The procedure is painless and there are no after-effects.