Long-Term EEG Video Monitoring (LT-EEG-VM)

This method is used for patients whose Long-term EEG Video Monitoring is necessary, in order to prepare the patients whose surgery is planned because of refractory epilepsy, when no abnormality is observed through 3-4 hours of ST-EEG-VM records and 15-30 minutes of EEG or when the clinical seizure cannot be recorded in this period. The most important difference of it from ST-EEG-VM is that the EEG and video are recorded in the inpatient service for 7-10 days at most. If seizures are observed more frequently this period may be shorter for certain patients. The main purpose of this method is to record the seizures that are necessary for the detection of the focus that causes epilepsy in patients who are being prepared prior to surgery. Generally, it is aimed to record at least 3 seizures depending on the patient.

This is an EEG method and all rules and methods stated for EEG also apply to LT-EEG-VM. However, the most important difference between them is the time period. In this method, a patient is hospitalized for recording for 2 days at least and 10 days at most. As recording takes longer in this method, the material that is used to affix the electrodes is different. This material is a liquid called collodion, which ensures the electrodes to remain adhered on the haired skin for a long time period. Electrodes are affixed to the haired skin with gauzes, which were wetted with this liquid by blowing air and a conductive gel is sprayed through the holes of the electrodes to connect the haired skin and the electrodes. The length of the cable that is connected to the EEG device allows the child to move in the bed and in the room comfortably. Video is recorded continuously by a wall-mounted camera. Certain methods (reducing medications, keeping awake and physical activities, etc.) will be used for the patient to have seizure during hospitalization, if required. The service physician will warn and inform you in this respect.

A bell button is placed on the wall near the couch allocated for you, for the nurses and/or physicians to immediately come to the room when the child has a seizure. It is sufficient to press the button. It is of prime importance to inform the service nurses immediately, if the child moves in the bed or in the room, since the direction of the camera should be changed. Otherwise, your child may have a seizure at the moment when the child is out of the sight of camera and this seizure may not be recorded.

A TV is placed in front of the bed for the child not to get bored during the long period of hospitalization. In addition, if you also bring the child’s favorite books, coloring books, etc., your days will be more enjoyable.

When will you receive your LT-EEG-VM result?

You can receive the LT-EEG-VM result in the afternoon (from 16:00) of the seventh working day following the test, from Senior Nurse Fatma Dinler, who works in the room 5 or 6, located in the hallway of Pediatric Neurology Subdivision. You will be notified about the extraordinary situations.

Your compliance and assistance during the ST-EEG-VM test is very important for you to help your child’s health to get better. Thank you for your collaboration. Get well soon!