Although staying in an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) is often necessary, it can feel like a difficult experience. But making the proper preparations can make your stay easier.
From learning what to expect to the right items to bring, you can take several steps to prepare for your stay. Here are some tips for successful EMU preparation.
What Is an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit?
An epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) is a specialized hospital unit for people with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Neurologists or epilepsy specialists (epileptologists) refer them to the EMU to gather more information about their epilepsy. This can include:
- The origin of the seizures.
- The type of seizures they have.
- Whether they have epilepsy or another neurological disorder.
- Whether they need an adjustment to their anti-seizure medication.
- Whether they’re a candidate for surgery.
EMUs have a 24/7 staff of doctors, nurses, and other providers specially trained in treating epilepsy and seizures.
An average stay in an EMU lasts three to five days. However, depending on the person, it may last longer or shorter.
What Happens in an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit?
Video electroencephalography (VEEG) monitors people who are in the EMU at all times. The EEG monitors their brain’s electrical activity, and the video captures their physical seizure symptoms. Technicians attach EEG leads to the scalp and connect them to a computer that monitors the brain’s electrical activity.
The EMU team will typically taper a person’s anti-seizure medications or use other triggers to provoke a seizure. The goal is to see what happens in their brain and body when they have a seizure. That way, the team can create an individualized treatment plan.
“We are offering answers when they leave the unit,” says Alexandra Urban, MD, neurology clinical vice chair and professor, UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “It’s very different than the patient population that comes into the hospital with acute seizures. These are elective admissions.
“These are patients that we usually safely withdraw some of the medications they’re on. We provoke the seizures in a safe environment so we can understand what’s happening, where the seizures come from, and if these are seizures.”
Dr. Urban adds that safety is the top priority at the EMU. Every staff member trains in epilepsy and seizure care and can help when seizures occur. Nurses can assist with daily tasks, and beds include padding and rails for safety.
Preparing for an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Stay
The first step to a successful stay in the epilepsy monitoring unit is knowing what to expect.
“There’s a partnership that occurs between the patient and the provider, and that partnership has to start before the admission,” Dr. Urban says. “So, once the patient is referred to the EMU, they need to understand what the stay is going to be like.”
When you meet with the EMU team before your stay, ask them questions about what to expect. You might ask:
- Am I allowed to have visitors?
- Are you going to change my medications?
- How else do you provoke seizures?
- How long will I stay in the EMU?
- Is this a closed unit?
- Is your staff experienced?
- What am I allowed to do in the EMU?
- What are your safety protocols?
- What can I bring to the EMU?
Dr. Urban says people receive information about what to expect in UPMC’s EMU after they schedule an appointment. This helps to establish a partnership with their care team.
“They will have a private room, but a lot of the time, they will be in a bed or a recliner,” Dr. Urban says. “There is not that much walking around unless it’s with supervision. Even going to the bathroom requires somebody to be present and help them.
“A seizure can occur anytime, especially when medications are decreased, and safety is our top priority.”
What Should I Bring to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit?
When packing for an EMU stay, make sure you’ve prepared for a stay that could last several days.
The Epilepsy Foundation suggests bringing some of the following items:
- Comfortable clothes and pajamas — The EMU will provide you with a gown, but you may prefer to wear your own clothes. Bring tops that you don’t have to pull over your head to avoid disturbing the EEG leads attached to your scalp.
- Comfort items — Many people bring items that remind them of home, like a blanket or stuffed animal.
- Current medications — Bring your anti-seizure medications and all other medications you take. Ask the EMU team if you should take your medications as usual before your EMU stay.
- Entertainment items — You may stay in the hospital for several days, so bring items to keep you occupied. Think books, magazines, puzzles, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
- Toiletries — The EMU will likely provide you with toiletries, but if you prefer your own, you can bring them.
“Patients that I’ve seen mostly content (in the EMU) are patients that try to stay occupied,” Dr. Urban says. “A lot of them have work with them and their laptop, and they have coloring books or whatever they like to do at home. Some people are crocheting or knitting.
“People come with their own blankets, which reminds them of something comfortable from home — a soft, cozy blanket. I’ve seen that a lot, and it’s kind of nice to see them coming prepared.”
Can I Have Visitors in the EMU?
Most EMUs allow visitors during your stay.
Dr. Urban says she encourages visitors because they can help people avoid feeling isolated and scared during their stay.
“We want some activity in there,” she says. “We want them to not feel that isolation. It is quite a difficult task to be in this room. Especially when you’re getting above the four to five nights, and you have to push the button to go to the bathroom or to get to the chair.
“And you’re isolated in the room waiting for a seizure, which, all your life, you dreaded. It’s not an easy task, staying in a bed (and getting) videotaped day and night.”
Dr. Urban says visitors are especially helpful during the second half of your stay after you begin having seizures.
“It’s harder to concentrate for most of them, and some people want some of that family attention,” she says.