Located at AHN Allegheny General Hospital, the unit is part of The Joseph and Kathleen Guyaux Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. It’s a specially designed space that feels more like a comfortable hospital stay than a clinical lab. Here, we’ll closely monitor you in a safe, supportive environment where every detail — from the private rooms to the attentive care team — is centered on your comfort and well-being.
The goal is to safely capture and study your seizures in real time in a controlled and protected setting. This gives your care team the detailed information they need to understand where your seizures come from, what kind they are, and how best to treat them.
The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit helps us get a full picture of your seizures, so we can move forward with the best possible plan for you. We monitor patients for such reasons as confirming seizures and determining seizure medication changes or surgical options.
Please arrange for a ride to the hospital on the day you’re admitted because you’re not permitted to drive yourself. An AHN nurse will call ahead of time to confirm your admission time and share details about your stay.
The night before your stay, wash your hair with shampoo only — avoid conditioner, oils, or styling products. This helps ensure the monitoring electrode pads we’ll place on your scalp stick properly. You can usually eat dinner and take your medications as usual unless the nurse gives you other instructions. Pack your bag for your stay, and try to get a good night’s sleep.
What to bring to your visit:
What you cannot bring:
Your stay in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit will last anywhere from two to 14 days, depending on what your care team needs to observe. You’ll have a private room.
When you arrive at AGH, you’ll go to the central registration desk on the first floor of the Snyder Pavilion. Please arrive on time, so we can admit and escort you to your private Epilepsy Monitoring Unit room.
During your hospital stay, you’ll wear electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes 24 hours a day, so we can obtain video and audio recordings. Audio and video will not be captured while you use the bathroom.
You’ll need to stay in bed as much as possible, so the equipment can capture your seizures as they happen. We know how frustrating that can be. But it’s the safest and most effective way to obtain seizure information and create your personalized treatment plan.
You won’t be able to shower when wearing electrodes on your scalp because they must stay dry. You can shower after we complete your monitoring and remove the electrodes.
A button will be at your bedside for you to press if you feel a seizure happening, including auras you typically experience before the seizure begins. Your visitor can also press the button for you. We will observe you at all times and keep you safe. Please feel free to discuss any concerns with your doctor and nurse.
During your stay, your care team will carefully adjust your anti-seizure medication to help increase the chances of capturing a seizure on the EEG. This is a common and closely monitored part of the process. Once the observation period is complete, and you’re preparing to go home, your physician will readjust your medication to a safe and appropriate level based on your treatment plan.
At the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, you’ll be cared for by a team of specialists who each play an important role in your epilepsy care, diagnosis, and treatment. Every team member brings experience, compassion, and a shared commitment to your health and healing. They include:
We’re here to help you feel prepared and supported. If you have questions or concerns before your stay, call (412) 442-2222.
If you’re a clinician wanting to refer a patient for a stay at the AHN Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, call and speak to our epilepsy nurse navigator at (412) 442-2222. You can also fax a referral to (412) 359-8878.
We understand how important having a loved one with you is. Please go to our Visitor Policy for up-to-date information about visitor limitations and safety guidelines.
