Intensive Monitoring (IM) - EEG

• You can print the pamphlet about Intensive Monitoring Test (PDF).
• Intensive monitoring is a continuous EEG recording with video that is done while your child is admitted to the hospital.
• Monitoring duration can vary from 1 to 5 days.
• Patients must be referred through the Neurology Clinic for this test.
• Reasons for an IM:
1. To record sleep throughout the night.
2. To capture "events" or seizures.
3. To establish the type and frequency of seizures.
4. To determine if the patient may be a candidate for epilepsy surgery.

Preparation for Intensive Monitoring (IM)

• You and your child will be spending the monitoring time in a private room on the hospital ward (3R).
• You will be required to be with your child at ALL TIMES.
• If your child has "events" or seizures during the night, you will be required to stay awake and record them while your child sleeps.
• It is up to you to arrange for other adults to share the observing as this is NOT something the nurses can do for you.
• Bring activities that your child can do in bed. 
• The room has a television and a DVD player. 
• Children can use electronic games (for example, Nintendo DS) as long as they are battery-operated.
• Your child should wear a button up or zipper top because you will not be able to remove clothing over their head. 
• All children must have clean, dry hair (no gel, hairspray or oil).
• We strongly recommend that you borrow a video describing the monitoring process from the Neurology Clinic and watch it with your child before coming for monitoring.

Website updated December 2009.