Video - EEG
Video-electroencephalography (Video-EEG or V-EEG) monitoring is a diagnostic test during which the EEG and video camera record simultaneously over a continuous amount of time. The collection of brain wave (EEG) data with simultaneous video recording allows the doctor to compare the brain waves to the patient’s behavior (i.e. movements, changes in speech). For example, if the EEG shows abnormal activity, then the physician will review what the patient was doing at that particular moment. Comparing the electrical changes in the brain to the patient’s behavior allows the doctor to understand better where the seizures are coming from, what kind of epilepsy the patient has, and even whether the condition is epilepsy or something that resembles it. This kind of test is also used to determine whether an anti-seizure drug can be gradually lowered and even stopped and is a major part of the presurgical evaluation. Patients may be hospitalized specifically for the test, or Video-EEG may be performed on a patient already admitted to the hospital. V-EEG monitoring is performed for approximately 2-5 days, or until sufficient spells have been recorded for the doctor to be able to make a definitive diagnosis. Additional testing, consultations, and treatment recommendations may be arranged following this stage of testing.