Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is a multi-disciplinary unit which provides diagnosis and evaluations in persons with suspected epilepsy. While this dedicated 6-bed unit is an inpatient facility, outpatient monitoring is also available. Neurointensive monitoring is utilized in the ICU, and Video/EEG monitoring services are provided through the medical center.

In addition to physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, the EMU hosts a highly skilled team. The team consists of 6 registered EEG technologists, dedicated epilepsy nurses, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, recreational therapists, a unit coordinator, a dedicated social worker, and biomedical engineer. This team is an enhancement to the reputation of the unit and to successful patient outcomes. The EMU interacts with physician clinics as well as all Medical Center support departments.

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit provides services to a wide range of age groups from neonatal to geriatric patients. Types of procedures most frequently performed include prolonged Video-EEG monitoring for both seizure diagnosis and presurgical evaluation (Phase I Monitoring and Phase II Monitoring) for epilepsy surgery.

Patients being evaluated for epilepsy surgery receive the most sophisticated tests available today. The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is one of few centers in the southeastern United States with extensive nuclear medicine facilities in the monitoring unit, allowing radioisotope injection for single photon emission tomography (SPECT) scanning during a seizure.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 3T, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, SISCOM, PASL, neuropsychological tests and intracranial EEG are also available to confirm the seizure focus. Other ancillary procedures performed include Wada studies, PET EEG’s, Tilt Table EEG’s, Electrocorticograms, Cortial Mapping, Magnetoencephalography, ICU monitoring and ambulatory monitoring.

The EMU operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The unit provides around-the-clock nursing coverage by EMU nurses. EEG technical support is available 24 hours a day with technologists on first shift, second shift, and weekend shift. 

To make an appointment, please call 336-716-5555.