Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
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Treating Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
TriStar Skyline Medical Center has a new dedicated 6-bed Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for continuous video and audio EEG monitoring, and diagnoses unexplained seizures quickly and accurately.A Board Certified neurologist with training in epilepsy, known as an Epileptologist, is in charge of your medical care. The EMU offers round-the-clock electroencephalograph monitoring (EEG) which records brain waves picked up by tiny wires taped to the head. Information is gathered over a 3-5 day period to determine whether the patient’s events are truly seizures and which part of the brain is causing them. All EMU patient rooms are private with a telephone, television and food catering services.
What is a Seizure?
Seizures happen when the electrical system of the brain malfunctions. Instead of discharging electrical energy in a controlled manner, the brain cells keep firing. Some seizures are related to head injury, brain infection, stroke or tumor. In many cases, the cause is unknown.
Epilepsy and seizures affect almost 3 million Americans. Approximately 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year and 10% of the American population will experience a seizure in their lifetime.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy and seizures affect almost 3 million Americans. A seizure is abnormal electrical activity in the brain which may cause a variety of symptoms depending on the area of the brain that is affected.
Conditions and Symptoms
A neurologist may recommend the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit for patients who have experienced one or more of the following:
- Loss of consiousness post auto accident
- any type of head trauma
- long-term muscle weakness
- seizures
- epilepsy
- dementia
- ticks and tremors
- confusion or disorientation
- varous memory issues
Your physician can refer you to a neurlogist who will determine if the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is an appropriate method of diagnosis and treatment for you.
Why is it needed?
Routine EEGs sometimes do not offer enough information of where in the brain the seizures are coming from. An EMUoffers extended monitoring and recording for 3-5 days aiding in the localization and type of seizures the patient is having.
Why Choose TriStar Skyline Medical Center?
Nationally recognized for its neuroscience and rehabilitation services, TriStar Skyline has recently been named one of the nation’sTop 100 Hospitals by Thomson Reuters for excellence in clinical outcomes, patient safety and satisfaction.
Our Team
Marcos Cruz, M.D.
Board Certified in Neurology
Fellowship Trained in Epileptology
TriStar Skyline Medical Center is nationally recognized for neurosciences and rehabilitaion servies and was the first hospital in Tennessee to be named as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. TriStar Skyline has also been recognized as one of the Nation’s Top 100 Hospitals by Thomson Reuters for quality outcomes and patient satisfaction.
The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at TriStar Skyline Medical Center is served by a board certified neurologist who is also fellowship trained in epilepsy.
Referrals made EASY!
General appointments: (615) 822-8908.
For more information, call Tristar MedLine at 1-800-242-5662.
