Welcome Letter: 6 Central Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
Handout File:
WELCOME LETTER: 6 CENTRAL EPILEPSY MONITORING UNIT
Welcome to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at the University of Virginia, and thank you for entrusting us with your care!
WHAT IS THE EPILEPSY MONITORING UNIT (EMU)?
The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is a comfortable, inpatient facility designed specifically for patients with seizures. The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit assists your neurologist in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of your neurologic condition. The primary reasons for admission to the EMU are to characterize the nature of ongoing spells, to guide your individualized treatment and to make recommendations in medication regimens as needed.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHILE I AM HERE?
Admission involves prolonged video-EEG monitoring, or a brain wave test, which is recorded continuously during your stay. This allows us to observe your episodes both electrographically by EEG and clinically by video.
WHO WILL I MEET?
While in the EMU, a multidisciplinary team cares for you. This includes epilepsy physicians, neuropsychologists, as well as nurses and technicians who specialize in caring for people with seizures. When necessary, we also have trained physical, occupational and speech therapists, pharmacists and dieticians.
ARE THERE RULES?
There are a limited set of rules which must be followed in order to ensure a successful stay:
- Safety is our first priority. See Pre-Admission packet provided.
- You will be asked to stay in view of camera at all times, excluding toileting and hygiene.
- If applicable, use push-button to indicate the beginning of your event
- While at inpatient unit, Do Not Take your own home medication
WHAT HAPPENS EACH DAY?
Each day the EMU Team will review your EEG and Video, and discuss the results with you. At the same time, they will discuss the treatment plan with you.
HOW LONG WILL I BE HERE?
The length of stay is patient specific, it can range anywhere from one overnight to seven days. Please plan accordingly for a longer length of stay. On average, we expect 3-5 days.
WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have scheduling and/or insurance questions, please call the EMU Admissions Scheduler at 434-924-2706. If you have questions about the EMU itself, please call the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Nurse on 6 Central at 434-924-2101.
Once again, we would like to welcome you to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at the University of Virginia. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can make your stay more enjoyable.