In cases where more extensive epilepsy testing and seizure monitoring is needed, Norton Brownsboro Hospital is equipped with a state-of-the art Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). Patients are admitted to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit to establish the correct diagnosis, determine the exact kind of epilepsy they have or to begin the surgical planning process.

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit provides Norton Neuroscience Institute’s multidisciplinary epilepsy team with valuable patient insights. Our specialists review the information gathered during your stay in the EMU and then collaborate to devise a personalized treatment plan.

Our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is the only center in Kentucky accredited by the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET).

Admission to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

With your primary care provider’s referral, you may qualify for Fast Track admission to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. This eliminates the need for a referral appointment to a neurologist.

For more information about the admission process, call (502) 446-8320 or visit NortonBrownsboroHospital.com. For a physician referral, call (888) 4-U-Norton/(888) 486-6786.

During Your Stay

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is staffed by physicians, nurses and technicians specifically trained to care for and monitor patients experiencing seizures. Here’s an overview of what to expect.

Monitoring. Patients are continuously recorded with video, audio, brain, heart and breathing monitors. Prolonged video EEG monitoring gives our team a continuous reading of brain activity day and night. This information helps us determine which treatment options may be most successful.

Inducing seizures. In most cases, seizure medicines are reduced or stopped to allow seizures to occur while you are in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Activation procedures, like the use of strobe lights, are used to prompt seizures.

Length of stay. Most patients stay three to five days, though this varies depending on how many seizure events there have been and what the results show. In most cases, once enough information has been recorded, it takes another 24 hours to be discharged to ensure medications are effective.

Rooms. All rooms are private, and there is ample space for family to visit. All rooms have their own bathroom. There is no camera in the bathroom, but we do require that staff be nearby to ensure your safety in case a seizure occurs.

Mobility. Because continuous monitoring requires many wires and cables, you usually stay in bed or in a chair in your room. Walking around is limited, and we take extra measures to prevent injury by having staff present when you are mobile. Because EEG wires stay on your head continuously, it’s not possible to wash your hair while in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.

Amenities. Meals are provided, but you are allowed to bring snacks or order in. There is a TV in each room with a wide array of channels and streaming capabilities. A home game system can be connected if you bring one. We want you to feel at home during your Epilepsy Monitoring Unit stay, and we will try to accommodate your needs.

Louisville’s Leader in Neurological Care

More patients from Louisville and Southern Indiana seek treatment from Norton Neuroscience Institute’s nationally recognized neurologists and neurosurgeons than any other provider in the area.

• We have more than 60 medical, surgical and research specialists dedicated to providing innovative care to those with brain, spine and nervous system conditions.
• We use advanced minimally invasive neurosurgery equipment that speeds your recovery and minimizes pain.
• Our multidisciplinary clinics offer easy access to specialists in oncology, cardiovascular, orthopedics and behavioral health.
• Norton Healthcare has the largest network of accredited stroke centers in the area.
  1. Norton Brownsboro Hospital’s designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by the Joint Commission and American Stroke Association represents the highest level of care.
  2. Norton Healthcare’s three other adult hospitals have been designated as Primary Stroke Centers.
• Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center navigators help educate patients and their families about new diagnoses, available treatments and managing their disease.
• We are nationally recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as a Top 100 neurosurgery and spine program.