Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

The Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is located on the fifth floor and is suitable for monitoring babies (two to three months of age) through adolescents. The EMU is equipped with the field’s most technologically advanced monitoring equipment and includes a fixed, dual pan tilt zoom high-definition camera system.

A sophisticated monitoring system and screen at the nursing station enables nurses to keep the child in continuous view. Once the event alarm is activated, specially trained nurses can immediately respond to seizure events. A pediatric neurologist also can view the live video and electroencephalography (EEG) data outside the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if needed.

In addition to the EMU, Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital has portable monitoring equipment designed for use in any patient room, including the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Children’s Emergency Center. The portable equipment offers the same technically excellent level of monitoring as our EMU provides.

The pediatric neurology team at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital has a strong focus on parent and family education. They are dedicated to teaching families about seizure safety and epilepsy management. In addition, the pediatric neurology team educates parents about healthy lifestyle issues for children with epilepsy, such as sleep quality, nutrition and exercise. Educational videos about epilepsy in children also are provided.