Study Underscores Benefits of Epilepsy Monitoring Units

A recent study presented at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) 2024 Annual Meeting highlights the significant impact of Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMUs) in managing patients with seizures or suspected seizure activity. The study emphasizes the utility of EMUs in confirming diagnoses, optimizing antiepileptic drug therapy, and guiding treatment decisions.

The research, conducted at a level 4 epilepsy center, analyzed 143 EMU visits between 2016 and 2019 in patients >18 years. Results showed that 88% of patients received a definitive diagnosis, with epilepsy confirmed in 72% and excluded in 16% of cases. The most common reasons for EMU admission were characterization of known seizures (35%), diagnosis of spells (33%), and presurgical evaluation (20%). Notably, 70% of patients had changes in medication management, and at least 22% were recommended for advanced surgical interventions post-EMU discharge. 

The authors conclude that patients meeting National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) guidelines for EMU evaluation would benefit from referral to a level 4 epilepsy center, underscoring the importance of this resource in epilepsy management.