Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)
The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is where you will be admitted to the hospital to have a prolonged-Video EEG. This test helps us understand better the events and seizures that you are having by:
- Allowing us to see what is happening using video,
- Recording your brain waves on a computer, and
- Hearing what is happening using the microphones.
This test takes place on the inpatient neuroscience acute care unit floor (NACU). The NACU has two dedicated beds for the EMU, all the necessary tools and diagnostics, and a dedicated team. The trained team of nurses, EEG technicians, epileptologists and support staff will monitor you in this safe environment.
Your admission will usually last four to five days. This will give us time to capture any concerning events and record any relevant data.
What to expect at the EMU
Download the patient pamphlet for detailed information about your stay.
It is often necessary for patients to wean off medications to record seizures during their stay. The doctor supervising your EMU visit will help you in this process.
Spells and seizure activity will be recorded and assessed using:
- Continuous Electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring equipment, and
- A video camera and microphone (positioned over your hospital bed).
We can also use a prolonged-Video EEG test to monitor patients while switching medications, and to discriminate between seizure activity, medication side effects and/or other non-epileptic events.
Reasons for being admitted to the EMU
Diagnosis
- To Identify spells or behavioral changes. When it is not clear what these types of spells can represent, an EMU admission can be helpful.
- To diagnose non-epileptic events.
- If epilepsy is confirmed, to properly identify the epilepsy syndrome. This can help direct how to manage the condition, tailor the medication choices and determine if a patient can benefit from epilepsy surgery, further medication management, diet therapy and neurostimulation devices.
Epilepsy surgery
- To record seizures in patients who have epilepsy and for whom epilepsy surgery is being considered. All surgical candidates need to have their seizures recorded to help identify where in the brain they may be coming from.
Treatment
- To modify treatment in a safe environment (for example when performing rapid modifications of antiepileptic drugs).
Contact us
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)
The Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus
2nd Floor (C2) in the Neurosciences Clinic
1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9
For Drs. Tad Fantaneanu, Miguel Arevalo-Astrada, and Dr. Paulina Kyriakopoulos, please contact Shannon Porcari (Administrative Assistant).
613-798-5555 ext. 17932
For Drs. Arezoo Rezazadeh and Hellen Kreinter, please call Katriana Chamberot (Administrative Assistant).
613-798-5555 ext. 19164
Nursing Line: 613-798-5555 (voice machine)
613-761-5360 or 613-761-4752