Epilepsy

EMU 

• Epilepsy and other seizure-like disorders can be difficult to treat; therefore, an EMU evaluation plays a crucial role in a patient’s diagnosis and management.  The epilepsy-monitoring unit is an inpatient unit at Saint Francis Hospital designed to characterize ongoing spells and guide individual treatment options.
• The EMU is staffed 24 hours a day.  The team consists of multiple Board-certified epileptologists, epilepsy Advanced practice providers (APPs), epilepsy-trained nurses, and EEG technologists.   
• Our EMU is equipped with state-of-the-art, computer-based monitoring designed to evaluate seizures. You will undergo continuous video-EEG monitoring while in the EMU, which allows us to record brain activity before, during, and after a seizure or spell. This data helps us tailor an individualized treatment plan for you.
• The Epilepsy Team will monitor you throughout the day to make sure you are comfortable and to review our findings and recommendations with you.

How to get to the EMU 

• The week before your admission, our nurse practitioner from the Neurology office will call you to confirm your admission and give you specific information regarding your upcoming stay
• Go to the Admitting Office on the second floor of the Rotunda. From there they will do your paperwork and transport you to EMU for your stay  
• EMU is located on 10-7 (red elevators)  
• All EMU rooms are private rooms with TV and Wi-Fi facilities   

What to expect during your EMU stay 

• You will be connected to the video EEG monitor, and we will monitor you for seizures or spells the entire time you are here.
• You can relax, watch TV, read, or talk to a family member or friend who visits you.
• Visitors are allowed in the EMU during visiting hours and some extended hours upon request. 
• You will have nursing care and nursing aide care to help you with any needs while staying in the EMU.
• If you are on seizure medications, we may adjust them during your stay.
• The Epilepsy Team will monitor you throughout the day to make sure you are comfortable and to review our findings and recommendations with you.
• Our highly trained and specialized Epilepsy Team looks forward to working with you to diagnose your seizures and spells and collaboratively determine a treatment plan that will have you feeling like your best possible self.