What is Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)?

An Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) uses technology to diagnose, monitor and treat epilepsy. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Epilepsy Program, state-of-the-art equipment within the EMU allows the team of epilepsy specialists to:

• Evaluate patients for epilepsy.
• Classify types of seizures and their location.
• Determine the frequency, type and nature of a patient's seizure episodes.
• Identify between epileptic disorders versus non-epileptic mechanism.

By monitoring the brain activity and body movement of patients continuously (day and night), doctors can ensure they are providing the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment plan.

Patients are monitored using continuous video electroencephalography (EEG). EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain, and a video records any movements of the body that happen during a seizure.

A video EEG gives doctors a better understanding of seizures and their onset. Patients in EMU are monitored continuously to keep them safe and to ensure all necessary information is gathered.

What to Expect

Before the procedure

• Please bring your Emirates ID and insurance card.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Admission time is from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
• Please be on time for your appointment, otherwise it will be rescheduled.Note:please inform the call center in advance if you will be late. The grace period is one hour only.
• First, you will meet with a Patient Access Representative (PAR) at a registration desk in the main hospital entrance to review your medical insurance card, Emirates ID and perform your registration check in.
• Only one family member is allowed to stay with you for the duration of one to five days.

The day of the procedure

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• After your registration, the transport team will assist you to your assigned room located on the 10th floor.
• Please refrain from putting any hair care products (hair gel, hair spray, etc.) and make-up prior to the procedure, as these will interfere with the recordings.
• Bring a list of your medications with you.
• Bring your laptop and anything else to occupy your time during the duration of your stay.
• You will then meet with a technician who will explain the procedure in detail, its duration and answer any questions that you may have.
• Electrodes will be glued to your head.
• A camera will record your continuous physical and audio/noise activities while continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) recording detects seizure activities or events.
• You will be monitored continuously, 24 hours per day.
• Usually, the procedure lasts from one to five days.

After the procedure

• Once the study is completed, a technician will remove all electrodes from your head and body.
• You have the option to take a shower before leaving the hospital.
• A nurse will review your discharge instructions with you.

Discharge instructions

• You will meet with a Patient Access Representative (PAR) at the registration desk who will review your follow-up appointment schedule.
• When you return home, remove excess residue with a hair comb and oil, and wash with warm water and shampoo.
• Return to normal activity, no restrictions.
• Your test results will be released by the HIMS (Hospital Information Management System), located on Level P1, after five working days. They will be sent to the physician who ordered the test.
• During your follow-up appointment, your physician will discuss your test results with you.

If you have any questions, please call Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi on800 8 CCAD (2223), extension 65819, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.