Epilepsy

Approximately three million people in the US have epilepsy. The goal of epilepsy treatment is to stop seizures, with medications being the first line of treatment. Establishing a diagnosis of epilepsy or unexplained spells can be challenging. Advanced EEG monitoring, as provided in our new Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), along with three Tesla Brain MRI may be used to better understand and treat seizures and minimize medication’s side effects.

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital offers advanced neurology services, including continuous video EEG testing in a safe environment, which helps manage your seizure activity and reduce or even stop your anti-epileptic medication use.

Why hospitalization?

The goal of EMU hospitalization is to record your typical seizures for diagnosis purposes. To provoke your seizures, your medication might be decreased or discontinued. Other activation techniques such as sleep deprivation, hyperventilation or photic stimulation might also be used. During your seizures we will monitor your brainwaves, take video of your physical reaction and record your ability to answer questions testing your awareness, memory and comprehension.

Prior to admission, the EMU staff will review your medical history create a safe plan of care for your stay. We are committed to providing high-quality care tailored to your individual needs.

Before you arrive

An EMU staff member will contact you one week before your admission. If you are unreachable, your admission will be cancelled.

During our first phone call, we will give you information regarding your appointment, where to go at the hospital and how to prepare for your EMU stay. One business day prior to your admission, a staff member will contact you to confirm your arrival time. Additional information regarding meals, pet visitation can be found in our patient rights and responsibilities page.

What to Know Before Your Stay

We hope this booklet will make the preparation for your Epilepsy Monitoring Unit stay easier. We are available to answer your questions at 270-417-5263.