1. < Epilepsy & Seizures

Has anyone had a 5-day EEG in a hospital?

Posted by tonyde @tonyde, 1 day ago

I am scheduled for a 5-day EEG in Tampa General Hospital. My first reaction was one of excitement; the first step to putting my seizures behind me. That excitement is turning into trepidation; everything from the impact on my health to impact on my wallet. There's a health risk to triggering a seizure and potentially a huge copay with a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Has anyone had one done? What's the good, bad and the ugly of a 5-day EEG?

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jamessr | @jamessr | 21 hours ago

My son has had two video EEG's and they normally last long enough so your medical team can record some good diagnostics from your seizures. Could be only a couple of days, could be more. if you don't have a seizure they will start to tapper off your meds. They normally do NOT allow you to get up and move around due to fall risk. Discuss that possibility with your team. Are you have a "Stereo" EEG or just a normal EEG. Big difference!

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Dan Noyes | @dannoyes | 19 hours ago

@tonyde I've had two five-day EEGs at an EMU. I've also been to TGH as well as Mayo. Have you ever talked to the team about going to Mayo. Since you're on Medicare, is that a possibility? If it is a possibility, I would highly suggest Mayo, even if it involves a cost for you. Dr. Feyissa at the JAX Mayo EMU is simply one of the best epilepsy doctors I've ever met. He is kind, compassionate, and one of the most knowledgeable epilepsy doctors I've ever encountered. Besides Dr. Feyissa and the EMU nurses, Mayo was the only other center I worked with that did a total withdrawal of all my ASDs. It is not a pleasant process, but it's like a "trust-fall" exercise, and I needed to be confident that someone had my back. At the end, Mayo removed half of my ASDs. The actual EMU isn't bad, but make sure to understand their care plan process.

Dan

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tonyde | @tonyde | 19 hours ago
In reply to @jamessr "My son has had two video EEG's and they normally last long enough so your medical..." + (show)
@jamessr

My son has had two video EEG's and they normally last long enough so your medical team can record some good diagnostics from your seizures. Could be only a couple of days, could be more. if you don't have a seizure they will start to tapper off your meds. They normally do NOT allow you to get up and move around due to fall risk. Discuss that possibility with your team. Are you have a "Stereo" EEG or just a normal EEG. Big difference!

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This is from the email sent by the hospital:
Electroencephalogram (EEG) testing with video recording.
The nursing team will turn on your bed alarm and chair alarm unless a family member is with you.
EEG electrodes will be glued in place on your head and then will be wrapped in gauze.
Your brain’s activity will be recorded twenty-four hour/day for the duration of your stay.
You will be video taped and not be able to use a blanket or sheet.
Required that you stay in your room for the entire visit.

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