University of Iowa Department of Neurology
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Creation Date: 1999
Last Revision Date: March 2004
The Video EEG Monitoring Test is a more specialized form of an EEG test in which the patient is constantly monitored over a video screen.
This allows doctors to observe brainwave activity during the time a seizure or spell is occurring.
What is it?
- It is a more specialzed form of an EEG test.
- It permits the study of your brainwave activity at the same time that a seizure or a spell is occurring.
- It helps doctors determine the nature of a seizure or spell as well as how to most effectively treat the condition.
How long does it take?
- This test requires an admission to the hospital.
- Average stay is 3 to 5 days.
Why is this test performed?
- To diagnose episodic events (those which happen from time to time).
- These events may be, but are not limited to:
- epileptic seizures
- fainting or black-out spells
- spells of unknown origin
- confusion
- hallucinations or behavior problems
Does it hurt?
- No. You will not experience any pain or discomfort.
Where is it conducted
- The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.
- 2nd Level of Carver Pavilion.
How many are conducted each year?
What should you do to prepare for the test?
- Wash your hair. Do NOT use any sprays, oils, or dressings of any kind.
- Eat normal meals.
- Continue taking prescribed medicine unless your doctor gives other instructions.
- Bring a complete list of all your medications and dosages with you.
- Hospital gowns and pants are available for your use.
- You may bring a one-week supply of button-down shirts, sweat pants and/or shorts and underclothing.
- We encourage you to bring things-to-do items, such as:
- reading materials
- paperwork
- crafts
- tape/CD player (battery-operated only) and tapes/CDs
- each room has a TV for your leisure use
What type of room will you be in?
- A regular patient room.
- You will be allowed to move freely around your room, as well as go to a day lounge that has a TV, VCR and game system.
What if you smoke
- You will NOT be permitted to smoke while you are being monitored.
- Your doctor may prescribe a nicotine patch to help you through your hospitalization time, if you wish.
How is it performed?
- A soft, red pencil will be used to mark areas where electrodes will be glued on your scalp.
- Some special jelly is applied to each electrode.
- Each electrode is checked with a meter to ensure proper functioning.
- You will now be monitored for the next three to five days.
- You may simulate your everyday life as much as possible, moving freely around your room and the day lounge, doing things that you enjoy.
- A specially trained doctor will review your monitoring daily.
- Test results will be discussed with you daily.
Will you be able to wash while you are monitored?
- You will not be able to shower or wash your hair.
- You will be able to sponge bathe daily.
After the test
- The electrodes are removed with acetone, which dissolves the glue and leaves your hair and skin intact.
- You may return to your hospital room, or go home, unless given other instructions from the doctor.
- You may wash you hair if you wish.
- A summary letter of test results will be sent to your personal physician.
|
|
