Epilepsy

The Center for Brain Health at Saint Francis Hospital

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can make a person have convulsions, pass out, move or behave strangely. Epilepsy is a condition in which people have recurrent seizures. There are many different types of seizures and are classified by where in the brain the epileptic activity starts. The right diagnosis is crucial for treatment of epilepsy and seizures. Electroencephalography (EEG) helps to detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and gives information about patients' seizures.

The Epilepsy clinics at Saint Mary’s and Saint Francis Hospitals are designed to provide comprehensive care to individuals with seizures or epilepsy. The clinic provides care to individuals with various types of seizures, passing out spells and unresponsive episodes. The clinic focuses on comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic management of intractable epilepsy. Routine EEG and ambulatory EEG studies are also available.

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)

Epilepsy and other seizure-like disorders can be difficult to treat; therefore, an EMU evaluation plays a crucial role in a patient’s diagnosis and management. The epilepsy-monitoring unit is an inpatient unit at Saint Francis Hospital designed to characterize ongoing spells and guide individual treatment options.
The EMU is staffed 24 hours a day. The team consists of multiple Board-certified epileptologists, epilepsy Advanced practice providers (APPs), epilepsy-trained nurses, and EEG technologists.
Our EMU is equipped with state-of-the-art, computer-based monitoring designed to evaluate seizures. You will undergo continuous video-EEG monitoring while in the EMU, which allows us to record brain activity before, during, and after a seizure or spell. This data helps us tailor an individualized treatment plan for you.
The Epilepsy Team will monitor you throughout the day to make sure you are comfortable and to review our findings and recommendations with you.

How to get to the EMU

The week before your admission, our nurse practitioner from the Neurology office will call you to confirm your admission and give you specific information regarding your upcoming stay
Go to the Admitting Office on the second floor of the Rotunda. From there they will do your paperwork and transport you to EMU for your stay
EMU is located on 10-7 (red elevators)
All EMU rooms are private rooms with TV and Wi-Fi facilities

What to expect during your EMU stay

You will be connected to the video EEG monitor, and we will monitor you for seizures or spells the entire time you are here.
You can relax, watch TV, read, or talk to a family member or friend who visits you.
Visitors are allowed in the EMU during visiting hours and some extended hours upon request.
You will have nursing care and nursing aide care to help you with any needs while staying in the EMU.
If you are on seizure medications, we may adjust them during your stay.
The Epilepsy Team will monitor you throughout the day to make sure you are comfortable and to review our findings and recommendations with you.
Our highly trained and specialized Epilepsy Team looks forward to working with you to diagnose your seizures and spells and collaboratively determine a treatment plan that will have you feeling like your best possible self.

Our Locations

Epilepsy

Trinity Health Of New England - Epilepsy Clinic - Hartford

Trinity Health Of New England - Epilepsy Clinic - Waterbury