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24-Hour Long Term Ambulatory Video EEG
Ambulatory Video EEG Testing:
Our office provides state of the art Continuous Ambulatory Video EEG testing so that patients can have studies from 24 to 72 hours from the comfort of their home with continuous monitoring of brainwaves during the patient’s routine daily activities and sleep. In combination with video technology, we are able to monitor the patient’s physical symptoms and determine if abnormal electrical activity is causing those physical symptoms.
If this testing is required, our provider will determine, based on your child’s age and symptoms, how long the study will be. Our new equipment does not require a battery change and can record up to 100 hours of continuous data.
On your scheduled appointment date, your child will have electrodes attached to their scalp with a water-soluble conductive paste. Tape will be affixed on top of the electrodes to ensure they stay in place. Their head will then be wrapped with a gauze and netting to keep the electrodes in place. The hookup will take about one hour start to finish. After 24 hours this paste will dry, securing the electrodes to the scalp.
Remote monitoring gives us the ability to remote into the study as it is running to see brainwave activity in real time. This also allows us to view a study in real time if there are any concerns, without a visit to the office.
There are two main pieces of equipment for the ambulatory video EEG testing: The recorder that is attached to an amplification box with electrodes attached; and the Camera that will capture the patient during their everyday activities. The recorder and amplification box will be placed in a backpack for your child to wear during the study. The camera will be in a separate briefcase with a power cord. The camera will need to be plugged in once you arrive home from your hookup and should be plugged into a power source during the testing. When moving from room to room, you will need to move the camera so that it is facing your child.
Our ambulatory EEG equipment allows this continuous monitoring to be done in the comfort of your home instead of in a hospital setting, cutting out unnecessary hospital fees. While the testing itself can be stressful for younger children, the ability to be at home can help alleviate the anxiety for both children and parents.
To learn more about the equipement and how this works, please visit Cadwell’s Apollo webpage here.
DUE TO CONCERNS FOR COVID-19, we do use disposable materials during this testing and sanitize equipment thoroughly between patient appointments. We do request that during this time, only one parent attend the testing appointments and we also request that masks be worn at all times, unless otherwise instructed by our EEG technician. If you or your child is unable to wear a mask due to age or medical condition, please contact our office prior to your appointment so that we can make accommodations.
Q&A
We do request that your child refrain from physical activity during the testing, unless otherwise instructed by the ordering provider. Artifact can be caused by strenuous physical activity that can interfere with the recording. No bicycles or trampolines, please.
Yes. The video is a key part of the testing as it allows our provider to see what is happening clinically while also seeing what is happening electrically in the brain. During private moments, such as using the restroom or changing clothes, video is not recommended. However, we do want as much video time as possible, especially during sleep.
Our remote monitoring equipment allows us to access the study live so that we can determine if your child needs to come to the office to replace the disconnected electrode. After 24 hours, the paste will have dried and the electrodes should be well secured to the scalp. Typically, if an office visit after the initial hookup is required, it is within the first 24 hours of the study.
It is recommended that children have a parent present during the duration of the study. Infants and small children may need to be monitored throughout the night and should have a parent present during the entire study. Children should not do any kind of water activity during the study, including showering.
The electrodes that come from the head are disposable. Once the testing is completed, you can cut through the wires and lather your child’s head with water and shampoo or conditioner. The paste used to affix the electrodes is water-soluble so the electrodes will fall off as the past dissolves. Trying to remove the electrodes without water can cause damage to the scalp or hair. The equipment can then be placed in the backpack/briefcase to be returned to the office. There is no need to turn off any of the equipment after the study is completed.