Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
For some patients, it may be necessary to directly observe seizures in
order to provide an accurate diagnosis or to determine the region of the
brain where seizures originate. Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute’s
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit provides a safe, comfortable setting, equipped
with the latest brain monitoring technology and staffed with highly trained
physicians, nurses and technicians to evaluate and manage seizures.
During their hospital stay, patients are under continuous visual observation
for seizure activity, high resolution digital video is used to capture
and study seizure or seizure-like episodes, with simultaneous recording
of the EEG. In combination, this data allows our epileptologists to determine
whether seizures are due to epilepsy or some other cause, and if they
are epileptic in nature, the type and origin of seizure activity within
the brain. Accurate determination of the cause of a patient's seizure
or epilepsy then permits appropriate treatment that can be tailored to
manage and control seizures.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI scan is an imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images,
like slices, of your head or body that are more detailed than those produced
by conventional X-ray exams. Instead of radiation, MRI uses a strong magnetic
field to acquire the images. MRI technology has increased dramatically
over the last 25 years. All patients undergo routine high field strength
(3T), high resolution MRI with advanced imaging sequences to optimally
analyze the brain for subtle abnormalities that may give rise to seizures.
This set of images is routinely superimposed or “fused” with
either PET, MEG, or SPECT to create a highly detailed integration of structure
and function, often highlighting the area of seizure onset for surgical
treatment.
Functional MRI (fMRI)
fMRI is a specialized type of MRI that is used to identify areas of highly
specialized or “eloquent” brain functions, such as language
and critical motor areas for movement of the face and hands.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
PET is used to measured metabolic activity in the brain and may suggest
if there are areas of dysfunction. It is particularly useful in the identification
of seizure onset when a patient’s MRI appears normal.
Magnetoencephalogram (MEG)
Minute magnetic fields are produced with electrical activity in the brain.
The MEG is able to detect these small fields and may help to determine
if there are clusters of abnormal activity that are not always detectable
with a scalp EEG or imaging studies.
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
SPECT measures blood flow and brain metabolism by monitoring photons emitted
by iodine-labeled tracers carried in the blood to the brain.
Computed Tomography (CT)
A CT or CAT scan is an imaging technique that produces cross-sectional
images, like slices, of your head or body that are more detailed than
those images produced by conventional X-ray exams.
