What Is a Long-Term Monitoring EEG Test for Epilepsy?
Your neurologist may admit you to a long-term monitoring unit if they are not able to determine the cause of your seizures from initial imaging tests or EEG (electroencephalogram). Outpatient EEGs only capture abnormal brain wave activity about half the time, but long-term monitoring will capture that information in about 80%–85% of patients.
In a long-term monitoring unit, your neurologist will observe and record the following information before, during, and after a epileptic seizure occurs:
- Type of seizure
- Find the specific location where your seizure begins
- Rule out any other health conditions that may have similar symptoms to epilepsy
Why Choose University of Utah Health?
Our comprehensive Epilepsy Program delivers world-class care for epilepsy patients with state-of-the-art techniques and treatment approaches. U of U Health is one of only a few medical centers in the United States with such a broad range of care for epilepsy.
The long-term monitoring unit at University of Utah Health is located on the fifth floor of the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital. This unit is staffed by care team members from multiple specialties:
- An attending neurologist, who specializes in diagnosing and managing epilepsy,
- Nurses
- EEG technologists
UP TO 85% OF SEIZURES
are recorded during long-term monitoring
ONE OF THE FEW LONG-TERM MONITORING UNITS
in the Mountain West region
What to Expect In the Long-Term Monitoring Unit
You will spend 3–7 consecutive days in the long-term monitoring unit. Your neurologist will gather this information to determine the best treatment plan for your seizures. It will be based on the type and location of seizures you are experiencing.
Inside the monitoring unit, we may also request that you stay awake all night to trigger a seizure. You will be monitored 24 hours a day by video, EEG, attending nurses, and other staff members to ensure your safety.
If you are taking anti-epilepsy medications, your neurologist will tell you to reduce or stop the medication before the test. This may increase the frequency or intensity of your seizures.
What to Bring
These stays can sometimes get boring. Feel free to bring the following items to keep you busy during your stay:
- Books
- Work
- Movies
- Electronic devices
Please keep in mind that you will not be able to leave your room because you will be attached to a monitoring unit and need to be on video. However, you will be able to move freely around your room during your stay.
Potential Risks
In most cases, the benefits of getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan outweigh the potential risks. However, before you begin a long-term monitoring test, talk to your neurologist about the potential risks.
- Injuries to the muscles, bones, nerves, and head
- Slight risk of death (However, this risk is minimal because the test is conducted under constant supervision in a controlled hospital setting.)
These risks are the same as the risks associated with having seizure.
Get Tested for Epilepsy: How to Make an Appointment
You will need a referral from your primary care physician or another provider to be seen in our Epilepsy Clinic. You may call 801-585-7575 to schedule an initial appointment after you are referred. Our team will help coordinate your care to see an epileptologist (a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy) for evaluation and schedule any necessary testing as part of your treatment plan.
We will also work with your insurance carrier to determine what epilepsy tests and treatment are covered under your plan, and obtain pre-authorization for procedures that are covered by your insurance. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, contact your insurance carrier directly.
Intracranial Monitoring
If your neurologist is still unable to find the location of seizures, or you don't respond to medication, we may recommend intracranial monitoring—an invasive surgery where doctors place electrodes inside your brain to monitor brain activity over several days or weeks.
