Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)
Epilepsy, seizures, and seizure-like disorders can be challenging to treat. Identifying the most appropriate treatment plan for you or your family member starts with a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Mather Hospital’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is a four single bedded unit where seizures and other related conditions are evaluated in real time. Using advanced computer-based monitoring equipment expressly designed for the evaluation of seizure disorders, the EMU team gathers data before a seizure starts, while one is occurring and during recovery.
The EMU is a safe environment where we can observe seizure activity over a few days (typically 24-72 hours or more) utilizing continuous video Electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. Specially-trained neurologists (epileptologists), nurses and other physicians observe you during your stay in the EMU. We are at your side during and immediately after a seizure to ensure your safety and timely treatment.
Through the information we are able to gather, we can characterize your seizures and determine the most appropriate course of action to treat them. Our EMU team works together to provide you with a timely diagnosis and treatment plan.
What is Video Electroencephalography (EEG)?
Video EEG uses a video camera and recorder to track your brain wave activity during and between seizures, so your doctors can review and analyze what happens when you have them. This will help your doctor decide which treatment is best for you. Some or all the video and EEG recordings will be kept as part of your medical record or future comparison, if needed. While your seizures may be uncomfortable, the test itself should be painless. Video EEGs help us determine which treatments will be most effective. These advanced machines are equipped with computerized algorithms and technology that enhances seizure and event detection capabilities.
Patient intake
Referrals will be made by a neurologist. Patient Access is trained to obtain insurance authorization and call the patient to schedule a date/time for admission.
Why come to the EMU?
Typically, patients are referred to the EMU by their neurologist.
Patients are referred for a number of reasons:
- To determine what type of episodes a patient is having.
- To determine if you are having seizures and what kind they are.
- To figure out why you have seizures and how best to treat them.
- To see if your seizures are medically-refractory making you a candidate for epilepsy surgery.
- To classify if your events are epileptic vs. non-epileptic.
- Or to make anti-seizure medication changes in a safe and controlled environment.
The Mather Hospital Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is proud to be a part of the advanced Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Northwell Health leveraging additional resources in the management and treatment of medically-refractory or complex epilepsy cases utilizing state-of-the-art epilepsy surgery, neuromodulation devices and neuropsychological evaluation.
