Mather Hospital opens Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)

Mather Hospital opens Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)

Mather Hospital. Photo by Jim Lennon

Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson has opened a special monitoring unit for individuals with epilepsy. Patients will come in for multi-day admission and will undergo continuous video electroencephalography (EEG), which will allow the healthcare team to make a more accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Consisting of four single beds in the hospital’s 3 North patient unit, the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is staffed by epileptologists, neurologists, nurses, hospitalists, and EEG technicians. The unit is headed by Usman Mirza, MD, who completed his residency in neurology and a fellowship in EEG/Epilepsy, both at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine. 

“The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is very important in the optimal evaluation and management of patients living with epilepsy and suffering from seizure-like events,” Dr. Mirza said. “Studies show that longer video EEG recordings increase the chances of capturing brain wave abnormalities. Furthermore, the data obtained about their seizures/events can be a vital learning tool for patients and families to be better prepared and to play a stronger role in their treatment plans.”

Video EEG  uses a video camera and recorder to track brain wave activity during and between seizures so doctors can review and analyze what happens when the patient has a seizure and determine the best course of treatment.  Other times, patients who may be having seizure-like events benefit from being evaluated in the EMU to clarify diagnosis and guide management.

Referrals to the unit will be made by a neurologist or other healthcare providers in consultation with neurology.

“This new program is another example of how Mather Hospital embraces innovative ways to raise the health of the community and exceed expectations of what healthcare should be,” said Kevin McGeachy, Executive Director.