Epilepsy - PEMU Thumbnail

Our PEMU is a specialized unit for children with all types of events believed to be seizures.

Each patient's room is outfitted with video equipment to capture seizure activity while the child's brainwaves are recorded. The feedback received during an actual seizure leads to a more accurate diagnosis and our physicians and nurses are specifically trained for this complex type of care.

If the brainwaves are normal during an event, seizures can usually be ruled out. Surprisingly, this applies to about one-third of all patients admitted. If the child experienced an epileptic seizure, observing the patient on video and correlating it with their EEG activity will lead to an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Visiting the PEMU

Our PEMU is designed for children and their families. A parent or caregiver can stay overnight with their child. Each room is fully equipped with:

  • Showers and bathing facilities
  • Sink
  • Patient bed
  • Parent sleeper
  • TV-DVD
  • Storage area
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Telephone
  • Meal service for your child

You can use your cell phone in the PEMU if you wish. Children can bring favorite toys and games to stay occupied.

A Child Life specialist will provide fun activities such as movies, arts and crafts, toys, books and games. These specialists also will be on hand to answer your questions, talk about what to expect and help with coping and support.

Our PEMU is staffed by a team of experienced, compassionate EEG technologists who will place the EEG leads and do any repairs on a daily basis.

In addition to the EEG wires, your child will be hooked up for:

  • An ECG (electrocardiography)
  • A pulse oximeter (which provides readings of the oxygen level in your child's blood)

Children usually stay in the PEMU from two to five days, based on how quickly seizure activity is detected. Our PEMU currently has eight patient rooms.

Patient Resources

Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring (PEMU)