Has your doctor suggested you visit an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU)? Often located in specialist epilepsy centers, EMU’s can be helpful for diagnosing epilepsy or understanding people’s seizures in more depth.
So, what might happen at an epilepsy monitoring unit? Your doctor will provide any specific information you need. The following introduction can help you understand more.
What is an epilepsy monitoring unit?
An epilepsy monitoring unit is an area in a hospital or epilepsy center which is dedicated to helping understand people with seizure disorders. There may be private rooms fitted out with technology that is used to study people’s epilepsy.
The average length of a stay at the EMU is 3-4 days, but your visit may be longer or shorter. There are both adult and pediatric epilepsy monitoring units.
Why might you go to an epilepsy monitoring unit?
Epileptic seizures may not occur while there is a doctor present, so it can sometimes be hard for them to understand what is happening to you. In an epilepsy monitoring unit, you can be observed 24 hours a day, using technology that can record your brain activity. This means doctors may be more likely to observe a seizure when it happens or view a recording.
One common technology used in epilepsy monitoring units is EEG. Electrodes may be attached to your head which can record patterns of electrical activity in your brain. The EEG may monitor brain activity over several days, which makes it more likely that it will ‘pick up’ on a seizure.
You might get sent to an epilepsy monitoring unit for various reasons:
- Sometimes it may be for initial epilepsy diagnosis. If it’s unclear whether or not your seizures are actually caused by epilepsy, staying at an EMU can be helpful.
- EMU’s might also be helpful if your seizures are not being controlled by your current anti-epilepsy medicine. The use of advanced monitoring technology might help identify what kind of seizures you’re having and help the doctors choose the most effective treatment.
- Other times, doctors may send patients to an EMU to see if surgery is right for them, or if having an epilepsy implant device could help them.
Learn more: What’s an EEG?
What happens at an epilepsy monitoring unit?
Before your stay at the EMU, you may have an appointment with staff at the center, and they will tell you what to expect. Or, your physician or neurologist may tell you more. If you’re unsure, ask your physician or contact the EMU for more details.
Often, the process goes something like this:
- Once you arrive, you will talk to the doctor about what's going to happen
- They may give you instructions regarding your medication
- A technician may glue electrodes to your head to help get you ready for the EEG
- People usually stay in the EMU for a few days
- Throughout your time there, doctors will inform you of what is happening
- You will be given food and drink
- If you have any doubts or discomfort during your stay, speak to the doctor
- If you have a seizure during the stay, this should be recorded using the monitoring technology
- Once monitoring is complete, the technician will remove the electrodes from your head - this can be a little uncomfortable
Preparing for a visit to an epilepsy monitoring unit
Before staying at an epilepsy center near you, ask the treatment team or your doctor how to prepare. This may involve things like:
- Shampooing your hair the night before
- Bringing button up or zip fronted tops (avoid t-shirts and pullovers because you will be wearing an EEG on your head)
- Spending a few days at an epilepsy monitoring unit can get boring. So, bring along any books, toys, video games, board games, music and other things to keep you occupied
- Remember to talk to the staff if you're feeling uncomfortable
- Bring along a list of all your medication and information about any other health problems you might have
After your stay at an epilepsy monitoring unit
After you have finished with your visit to the EMU, the epileptologists at the epilepsy center will analyze the information they have collected and be back in touch with you to tell you more.
If you have any doubts about your visit to the epilepsy monitoring unit, speak to your doctor and the staff at the epilepsy center - they will be able to answer all your questions.
