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One of my kids was diagnosed with epilepsy earlier this year. We've just moved to the area and seen a local neurologist who I really liked. She's scheduled a 24 hour video EEG at Lakeland Medical Center next month and I was wondering if anyone here has had one done for their child. I was wondering what to expect, if he'll have to stay in one room or if there's a playroom. Should I pack toys, movies, etc. That kind of stuff. I know he won't have to stay in the hospital bed, but otherwise I don't know what to expect. He's had regular EEG's sleep deprived EEG's in the past that lasted about 30 minutes, so I'm familiar with the electrodes and stuff. I'm looking forward to it so we can pinpoint how many seizures he's having and how best to treat them (we took him off his meds in Aug as he had more seizures on the meds than off). Anyway, any info would be helpful, thanks!

Wow, 24 hours? That could be tough! My daughter Lillian, had the sleep deprived EEG- no fun for any of us, so you are getting much sympathy my way. I used a lady neurologist in Lakeland; I wonder if it is the same one?

My daughter had her 2nd seizure this past Saturday morning.

WE WERE SCHEDULED FOR LITTLE MAN TO HAVE A 24HR EEG, BUT HE WOULD NOT COOPERATE FOR THAT LONG, AND THEY ACTUALLY GAVE UP, BUT, I DO KNOW ALOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THIS DONE, BASICALLY, THE SAME AS A REGULAR EEG, BUT THEY KEEP THE "WIRES" ON FOR THE DURATION, THEY WANT TO MEASURE EVERYTHING, WHILE THEY PLAY, EAT, SLEEP, INTERACT, ETC., I KNOW THE LAST FAMILY I SPOKE WITH SAID THIER CHILD EVEN PLAYED AND RAN AROUND, WITH MONITOR IN TOW. THEY SAID IT REALLY WASN'T BAD.

SHAWN, HOW IS LILLY? WHAT DID THE DOCTORS SAY? IS IT BECAUSE SHE'S BEEN UNDER SO MUCH WITH THE EAR INFECTIONS/MEDICATION?

Thanks for the replys. It's the wires that I dread the most, knowing Ben he will freak out and not calm down (he tends to be sensitive). The only reason we got through the past EEG's is he passed out being sleep deprived. Maybe he'll surprise me, hopefully we can distract him. I had heard of ambultory EEG's where they wear the wires home for a day but I'm not familiar with one inpatient.

Shawn, I'll bet the neuro is the same. I only found one pediatric one in Polk county. (We actually saw the practioner not the Dr which I usually avoid but I liked her) Are your daughter's seizures febrile? Ben has only had grand mals with fever, but has frequent "episodes" that are believed to be seizures (choking spells, staring spells, picking at clothing, etc). What did you think of the neuro office?

I HATE TO PRY, BUT HAS YOUR BABY HAD AN MRI DONE YET? OF THE BRAIN, SPINAL STEM? JUST A GOOD QUESTION TO ASK, TRUST ME I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE SLEEP DEPRIVED CHILD FOR 3 YEARS, AND FINALLY WE GOT IT CORRECTED.

It's no pry to me, he did have an MRI in April of the brain including stem. They wanted to rule out any phyical causes for the seizures. It came out normal.

My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 8. She is now 22. We did the 24 hour EEG, it wasn't bad. The worst part was having her sit still while they contected her to the monitor. It was a long time ago, but she was able to move around. He test was done at All Childrens Hospital and they really cater to children.

both my boys have been diagnosed with epilepsy and have had the 24 hr EEG at Lakeland. They do have a playroom but your child will be connected to wires and will be expected to stay in the bed, only getting up for the restroom. I would pack toys, books, movies, whatever you can.

They do have a fold out bed for you to sleep on. The staff was wonderful. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Does your daughter still have the seizures?

quote:

Originally posted by pricketm@flcourts.org:
My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 8. She is now 22. We did the 24 hour EEG, it wasn't bad. The worst part was having her sit still while they contected her to the monitor. It was a long time ago, but she was able to move around. He test was done at All Childrens Hospital and they really cater to children.

I didn't realize they would allow them to play. Mine wasn't so I suppose it depends on the situation.

quote:

Originally posted by jasmineneil01@tampabay.rr.com:
both my boys have been diagnosed with epilepsy and have had the 24 hr EEG at Lakeland. They do have a playroom but your child will be connected to wires and will be expected to stay in the bed, only getting up for the restroom. I would pack toys, books, movies, whatever you can.

They do have a fold out bed for you to sleep on. The staff was wonderful. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

The Dr's office said that he wouldn't be expected to stay in bed. They want him doing normal activities which is why I find it funny they do it inpatient. He won't do many "normal activities" just because of the unfamiliar environment.

My daughter Savannah had to have a sleep deprived EEG in June dues to Febrile seizures.......she has had 5 of them since she was 9 months old........her 5th and last was the day after the EEG.........I cannot imagine having to do a 24 hr one!!!

Shawn-Is Lilly OK????

By the way ladies I was seeing Dr. Quereshi in Lakeland but I went for a second opinion to Dr. Jasna Kojic in Orlando........she is wonderful.........Savannah will have to be scheduled for another EEG and an MRI but everything is pointing to Febrile Seizures......

I work for a St Petersburg's epileptologist and I have set up many people for inpatient EEGs including young kids and even more challenging, special needs children. From my experience, you should call the techs that will be monitoring your child. Most EEG departments will be happy to find time to answer all your questions if the ordering doctor doesn't already have the information for you. The staff monitoring your child will be able to answer more specific ,questions, like whether or not he can play, with more accuracy because each facility has different policies and procedures. When I set a child up for this test, I do know that the parents can expect a few minor issues that in the long run are worth the effort. First, wires glued onto your head and hooked to a machine are not comfortable or attractive no matter how old you are. The test is neither painful or invasive however. Secondly, hospitals are boring plain and simple. Take others advice and bring entertainment with you. Ask the staff again what they recommend from their experience if you need pointers. They see this stuff every day. Thirdly, in some instances the hospital will video tape the entire monitoring to capture the visual symptoms on tape since seizures can be so unpredictable. Finally, capturing seizures is the entire point of the exam so the anticipation for both you and your child can be intense especially if your doctor weens the child off medications to induce seizure activity. Every single patient going through this test expresses concern about this. This is the key reason this is done inpatient. Seizures can be serious and treatment should be close. In the end I have found that when my neurologist orders this type of monitoring, along with additional testing, the results are extremely important in determining the best treatment whether it be medication or even surgery in many cases. Good Luck to you both and I am sure that having you there during the ordeal will offer lots of comfort.

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