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Long-term continuous video EEG monitoring is done during an inpatient hospital stay that can last from five to seven days. The goal of this evaluation is to record your typical seizures using a video camera and continuous EEG monitoring so that your doctor can better diagnose and treat you. This test helps doctors better understand and localize where in the brain your seizures come from and provides much more information than a traditional EEG, which lasts about a half hour and gives merely a snapshot of the brain’s activity during the particular time of the recording period. This may not be sufficient to give us the information we need to treat your seizures adequately. View a video about Long-term Video EEG Monitoring.
The test has two components:
A microphone and camera will record all your physical activity while you are on the EEG for review. Monitors are placed at the nursing station facing away from traffic areas to protect your privacy. The EEG technologists in the monitoring control room are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the weekdays. By videotaping your seizures we can see exactly what happens during one of your seizures. This is usually more accurate than reports you or a family member can give us about your seizures.
This part of the test allows us to detect seizure activity that may occur, even if you are not aware it is happening. It helps us determine the type of seizure you are experiencing and may provide helpful information to improve your treatment. It also gives us information about how your brain functions between seizures. This type of recording allows us to make an accurate count of your seizures and to see if you might have more than one type of seizure.
The Wada Test helps your doctors understand how your brain is organized, specifically, in terms of language and memory functions. This is a routine procedure for patients who are being evaluated for certain types of brain surgery, such as surgery for epilepsy or for certain brain tumors. This information will be valuable to your surgeon during the surgery. The procedure is not painful.
The test is performed by a team of doctors, including your neurologist, a neuro-psychologist and a doctor performing an angiogram.
Bring all your medications with you on the day of the procedure so we can review them.
For those who take insulin regularly, take half your NPH dose and half your normal dose of regular insulin on the day of the procedure. Please remind your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner about any diabetic medications you take. If you regularly take Metformin or any Metformin containing medications (for example: Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glucovance or Glyburide), you should not take it the day of the procedure. You will need to have your labs checked in 48 hours before restarting the Metformin or Metformin containing medication.
If the bleeding persists, continue to hold pressure and call 911 or go to the emergency department. Go to the Emergency Room immediately if you experience any of the following:
Follow-up is with your neurologist.
Valet service is available at the main entrance.
If you choose to self-park at the Mission Hill Garage, walk up the street and enter the main entrance of 75 Francis St.
At the main entrance, you will find an escalator and elevator immediately to your right as you walk through the door. Take the escalator/elevator to the second floor. Take a left off the escalator/elevator and follow the sign directing you to the Shapiro Center. As soon as you enter the Shapiro Center, you will find the Family Waiting area on the right. You will check in at the front desk here.
Once you check in at the Shapiro Center, a nurse will call your name and bring you to the pre-procedure room.
The person accompanying you will be asked to wait in the Family Waiting area while we prepare you for the procedure. When you are ready, you can be joined by the person who is accompanying you in the recovery room until it is time for your procedure. They can also rejoin you after the procedure.
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