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Video EEG monitoring
This is a picture of one of the rooms in the Video Monitoring area-
there is a TV/VCR as well as cameras at the foot of the bed.
Video EEG monitoring is a test which records the
activity in your brain and video tapes your physical movements at the same time. EEG
stands for electroencephalogram. Most often, the video EEG will last for one to five days.
A doctor may order this test to tell if an event is a seizure, to view a new type
of seizure if the patient has a known seizure or sleep disorder.
Before the test:
- The patient (adult or child) will be admitted to the
hospital for this test.
- Bring clothing for the patient that zips or buttons
and does not need to be taken off over the head.
- The person arranging the testing will explain the
procedures and guidelines.
If the person being
tested is a child, bring items that belong to them, like favorite toys and VCR tapes.
Families are asked to have at least one person stay with the child throughout the study to
record the event.
Spouses and/or family members are allowed to stay.
- Once the patient has been admitted to his/her room,
the EEG machine will be set up. The room is equipped with a camera that records in
daylight and at night.
- The person who set it up will put about 30
electrodes, or wires, on the scalp. Gel is applied to the electrodes and "glued
on" with collodion. The collodion is dried with compressed air. The wires from
the electrodes are wrapped together. Gauze may then be wrapped around the electrodes to
hold them in place on the head.
During the test:
The camera will be placed so that the best image of
your child can be obtained. DO NOT MOVE IT.
You will be shown an event button at the bedside. When you push it, it
labels the spot on the tape and lists the time of the event. You will be shown how to use
this button. You should use it to mark all events, even if they happen often.
The patient needs to stay in view of the video camera, but may use the bathroom.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT
FAMILY AND VISITORS TRY TO STAY OUT OF RANGE OF THE CAMERA - if you don't
know what the range is- ask staff on your arrival. Dim lights will be on during the night
so that any nighttime events can be captured.
Family/
Patient Information:
There is a family “break room”
with a kitchenette (stove, sink, refrigerator) as well as a washer/dryer available for use
in the unit.
Click HERE to go to the CHILD
LIFE page, to see what we can do to make your experience better.
After the test:
THE ISSUE OF MEDICATION:
A patient may be asked to decrease their anti-seizure
medication before admission, or it may be changed during the time the test is running.
Sometimes the patient may be asked to perform activites (for example, exercising)
that may "trigger" a seizure. If needed, anti-seizure medication will be
re-started before the patient is discharged.
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