Epilepsy

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is comprised of multiple integrated services, including:

• Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU): This specialized inpatient unit is equipped with advanced video EEG technology to track seizures in real-time, allowing for precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
• Outpatient Epilepsy Clinic: Offering ongoing evaluation, medication management and access to innovative treatments for epilepsy patients.
• Multidisciplinary Team: Board-certified neurologists, epilepsy specialists, pharmacists, nurses, radiologists and specialized technicians work together to provide comprehensive care.
• Epilepsy Support Group: A dedicated community resource for patients, families and caregivers to share experiences, receive education and find support.

Our EMU offers 24/7 electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring with audio and video information gathered over one to five days. This monitoring helps us determine whether the events are truly seizures and which part of the brain is causing them.

Our adult (18 years old and older) unit is staffed with specially trained medical, nursing and technical care team members to monitor and care for patients with epilepsy. Our team includes board-certified epileptologists and neurologists who are experts in seizures and seizure disorders, anticonvulsants and special situations involving seizures. We work in consultation with each patient to determine the individualized, appropriate treatment regimen to control seizures and manage symptoms.

You will have continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) brain wave monitoring with simultaneous video monitoring by two cameras. The doctor may also ask the technicians to provoke an event with rapid breathing, sleep deprivation or a flashing light.

You should plan for an adult family member to accompany you during your stay. Patients usually stay in the unit for three to five days. All patients under 19 years old need a parent or other adult in the room at all times. Please notify someone on your care team before leaving the room. You or your family member can activate the alert button when an event is experienced or witnessed. We will respond to the events as they are being recorded.

Wash your hair before you arrive. EEG monitoring is continuous during your stay on the unit. 32 EEG leads will be attached to your scalp, glued and dried. They must remain in place for your stay, so you cannot rewash your hair until fully discharged. We will provide a gown. If you bring pajamas or clothing from home, bring tops that button or zip up in the front.

Make a list of all your home medications, including vitamins, laxatives, and pain medications, and bring them with you. Your doctor will evaluate your medications before your arrival and decide if they should be tapered or stopped. Do not adjust any medications without approval from your doctor.

You may be allowed up in your room, but plan on spending most of the time in your bed or nearby chair. We will tailor your activity level based on your doctor's directions.

A chair that makes a bed will be in the room for your family member to sleep in during your visit. Each room has its own private bathroom and shower facilities. Wireless internet access is available throughout the hospital. You will need your computer to access our Wi-Fi. Standard cable television is provided in each room. A DVD/gaming system may be brought from home. You may want to bring books, magazines, games and DVDs for entertainment.

TriStar Skyline is a smoke-free campus. You will not be permitted to leave the campus to smoke during your visit. Check with your doctor to see what products are available to help control the urge or quit smoking altogether.

On your first day

• Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time.
• You will register in the first-floor lobby and then be taken to your room on the second floor.
• You will meet your nurse, who will obtain a history and physical assessment and intravenous (IV) access.
• An EEG technician will attach EEG electrodes to your scalp.

TriStar Skyline’s Epilepsy Support Group meets monthly from 5:30pm to 6:30pm in Auditorium B on the hospital’s ground floor. Virtual participation is also available. The group features expert speakers, patient stories and discussions on managing epilepsy.  To register or learn more, visit our classes and events page.