What to expect

• While you are in the hospital you will be under the care of and seen daily by your neurologist. You will be asked questions about your past medical history and your seizures. If you cannot provide this information, please try to bring someone with you, a family member or friend, who can do this. It is especially helpful if the person can provide a description of your typical seizures.
• You will have EEG electrodes applied to your scalp. Then the electrodes will be connected to a video EEG monitor. The camera will be turned on and your monitoring will begin. The cable that attaches the EEG headbox to the monitoring machine is long enough for you to be able to use the bathroom. However, it is very important that you stay on camera at all times.
• At the side of your bed you will find 2 alarm buttons. One is a nurse call button and the other one is called an "EVENT" button. If you have any warning about your seizures, please push the "EVENT" button. If a friend or family member is with you, he or she can also trigger the alarm if a seizure or event occurs. We also ask you to keep a diary of any unusual feelings or seizures you can remember. Our Neurophysiologist will explain these to you when you arrive.
• When you have a seizure you will be closely observed by your nurse who will do some testing during, and for some time after the event. Your Neurophysiologist will also be alerted. We do everything possible to prevent injury during seizures.  Your safety is our top priority, we are well aware how vulnerable this situation may make you feel.  You will be in good hands.
• Your antiepilepsy medicines may be decreased or stopped while you are in the hospital. We do this to try to bring on seizures. We do not usually reduce medications prior to your admission.  Your specific instructions will be discussed with you during your telephonic consultation and booking.
• If your medication is withdrawn, a capped intravenous line (IV drip port) will be placed in one of your veins. This is for your safety. If you have a lot of seizures or a very strong one, we can quickly give you medicine through the IV line to stop the seizure. The line is checked and flushed every few hours by your nurse to make sure it is working properly. The site where it is placed may be changed every few days. It will also be changed if it stops working.