Epilepsy Monitoring Unit - DCMH

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Located on the third floor of Delaware County Memorial Hospital, the two-bed inpatient Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) features the latest technology to diagnose and manage epilepsy in adults ages 18 and over.

What are the patient admission criteria?

Patients who suffer from epileptic seizures, or who are suspected to have epilepsy, are the ideal candidates for an inpatient EMU stay.

The patient will first meet with a Crozer Health neurologist for an in-depth evaluation and review of the patient’s medical history and electroencephalography (EEG) results. If deemed appropriate, the patient will then be scheduled for a two- or three-day stay in one of the unit’s private rooms.

What can the patient expect from their EMU stay?

The patient is video-monitored around the clock by a specially trained clinical team. Electrodes placed on the patient’s scalp continuously monitor brain activity and provide valuable clues that assist in identification and treatment of a seizure disorder. To get the best results, the patient’s head should be clean and dry, and free of gel, mousse, oil or spray. Our staff does not clip, cut or shave hair.

While on the unit, the patient will see a neurologist daily. They will also be evaluated by a psychologist.

Can the patient perform activities of daily living while on the unit?

Yes. The patient can eat and drink normally, use the restroom, and bathe from the chin down using a wet washcloth only. They may not take a shower. Patients are not under video surveillance while in the bathroom.

What happens after the patient’s EMU stay?

Martina Vendrame, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of the DCMH EMU, is closely involved in the patient’s care while on the unit and sends reports to all members of the patient’s care team – including the primary care physician and other specialists. Once the diagnosis is confirmed the patient can continue to see Dr. Vendrame as an outpatient, with continued reporting to their physicians.

What are the benefits of an inpatient EMU?

Only a handful of inpatient epilepsy monitoring units exist in the Greater Delaware Valley. Most patients with a suspected seizure disorder typically have a series of outpatient EEG tests – which means added time, cost and inconvenience.

However, an inpatient unit such as Crozer Health’s is not only cost-effective and convenient – it also offers a more comprehensive model of care. All activity is monitored and recorded – while the patient is awake, asleep and active – which allows our medical team to most accurately evaluate and manage the seizure disorder.

In addition, EMU patients are under the constant care of a clinical team that consists of doctors, nurses and technologists.

Why choose Crozer Health’s EMU?

Crozer Health’s care model emphasizes a holistic, compassionate approach. Our beautifully appointed, private patient rooms are located on a monitored unit and include a bathroom and shower. Our nursing staff is specially trained to care for neurological patients as well as on seizure awareness and analysis.

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at DCMH is located in Drexel Hill, which is close to home in suburban Philadelphia; so there’s no need to travel into Philadelphia for the same specialized care.