Connect
← Return to Been to an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit? What’s it like?
Discussion
Been to an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit? What’s it like?
Epilepsy & Seizures | Last Active: Nov 21 1:02am | Replies (61)Comment receiving replies
Hi @tbrookhouser
I've been to the EMU recently - last December and August - though my situation was different from yours. I was already having seizures when I was admitted both times, and one time I was actually in status epilepticus.
From what I understand, most people hope to have seizures during their EMU stay so they can better understand their condition. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen.
My advice? Try not to go in with too many expectations. I know that might sound strange, but here's why: the EMU stay is definitely valuable either way, but sometimes when we really want something to happen, it doesn't. It's like when you're trying too hard to fall asleep - the more you focus on it, the more elusive it becomes!
Bring things that help you relax and pass the time - books, good movies, videos you enjoy, whatever makes you happy. This can really help make your hospital days feel shorter and more peaceful.
Wishing you all the best during your EMU stay! I hope you get the answers you're looking for. 💜
Chris
Replies to "Hi @tbrookhouser I've been to the EMU recently - last December and August - though my..."
Connect
@santosha thank you, prior to December 2024 I have not seen a doctor since 2015. I had a stroke December 16, two weeks after that a 72 hour EEG at home with ( to my knowledge, no seizures) but the EEG came back abnormal and was immediately told that I had seizures and was put on medication and then two weeks after that had to have a PFO in atrial septal defect closed in my heart. Five months after that went into cardiac arrest after having no seizures to my recollection. Since May because I have never been sick, my work called the EMTs every single time I collapse, which was normal for me because I have collapsed my entire life without losing consciousness. In August, I was in the hospital lobby and woke up in the trauma center with my clothes cut off, and they said I was in status epilepticcus. They did a tilt test and a sleep deprived EEG. I do not feel that I have epilepsy, and I feel that the seizures are now brought on by the combination of dual seizure meds. From my initial consultation just two weeks ago at Mayo.- it seems that the doctor agrees with me and I am being admitted so that we can rule epilepsy out completely. I know that you’re confined to the room and hooked up to the EEG continuously and video monitoring, but I am trying to find out what type of test that they do or is it literally just sitting in the room and being observed. I am having an MRI on Thursday and an EEG on Friday.