Through the use of video EEG, SLCH clinicians diagnose and develop treatment plans for those suffering from epilepsy. The patient is observed over a period of two-to-five days, after which, the epileptologists develop the most appropriate plan of care or modify the current treatment plan. To learn more about this program, call (845) 561-2598 or e-mail thoran@slchospital.org.

The simultaneous use of video and EEG monitoring allows our highly skilled epilepsy team to observe a patient

and diagnose seizures, seizure type, and the location of the seizure origin. In most cases, epilepsy seizure monitoring is referred by the patient’s primary care physician or neurologist and is done on an inpatient basis at SLCH’s Newburgh campus. Upon admission to a monitored patient room, patients are connected to scalp electrodes and a video EEG. The EEG signal is recorded along with a digital video image over several days. During monitoring, the patient’s medication is reduced or even discontinued in order to increase the likelihood of seizure.

Careful review of the results allows the epileptologists to localize the seizure. They then work in partnership with the patient’s referring physician to develop the most appropriate plan of care or make necessary changes to a current treatment plan. Treatment may include anti-epileptic medications, changes in lifestyle, or surgery.

Patients who may benefit from the seizure-monitoring program are those with:

• seizures not being controlled by medication
  
• negative side effects to anti-epileptic drugs
  
• unclear diagnosis of seizure
• changes in mental state
  
• signs of impaired consciousness without explained cause
  
• episodes of nighttime behavioral change
  
• convulsive episodes

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects more than 2 million Americans. It is characterized by seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity of the brain. The disease varies in severity and age of onset. Common symptoms may include involuntary jerking movements, muscle tightening, a daydreaming appearance and even brief loss of consciousness or a period of deep sleep after a seizure.

For approximately 80 percent of those suffering from epilepsy, seizures may be successfully controlled with medication, surgery, Vagus nerve stimulation and other alternative treatments.