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Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)

Epilepsy monitoring unit patient and doctor

Our state-of-the-art Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is an important part of the evaluation and integrated care of the child with epilepsy and recurrent unprovoked spells.

Using the latest diagnostic technologies, we are able to more accurately pinpoint epileptic activity in the brain. This results in better outcomes for the children we see. Depending on the needs of each child and the level of complication presented in diagnosis, Cook Children's EMU offers both inpatient and outpatient testing.

EMU inpatient monitoring

More than 800 children have been admitted to our 10-bed unit, designed with children in mind. Thanks to Bluetooth® wireless technology, patients have the freedom to come and go from their rooms, walk around the unit, and even play in the playroom while still being continuously monitored by the video electroencephalograph (EEG) equipment.

EMU outpatient monitoring

For many patients, testing in their home surroundings is an excellent alternative to inpatient testing. Your doctor will recommend which option is better for your child depending on his or her case. Continuous testing at home is performed using an ambulatory electroencephalograph (AEEG). This testing is very similar to inpatient monitoring. Your child will come to the EMU at Cook Children's and electrodes will be placed on their head. The electrodes will connect to small portable monitor which will record your child's brain activity for a period of 1 to 3 days. At the end of the testing period, your child will return to the EMU to have the electrodes removed and the monitoring date downloaded to a special computer to be read by your child's neurologist.

Supportive care

We are supported by a team of caring and highly skilled nurses and nurse educators, EEG technologists, nutritionists and Child Life specialists whose sole purpose at Cook Children's is to focus on the children in our unit. We are all proud to be part of the team who will be caring for your child, answering your questions and being with you every step of the way.

More information

Other sources for information about seizures

BrainBytes

Cynthia G. Keator describes the unique advantages of Video EEGs.

We're here to help.

If your child has been diagnosed, you probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-885-2500.