Your child is scheduled for Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at Children’s Wisconsin.

Call (414) 266-6828 before your child’s LTM if they:

• Have a cold, flu symptoms, a fever, or is sick. The LTM may need to be rescheduled.
• Have autism, sensory sensitivities, behavioral concerns, or other special needs. Letting us know ahead of time helps us prepare for your child's visit. Extra staff and Child Life specialists are available to provide support, if needed.
• Will arrive more than 1 hour late. The visit may need to be rescheduled.

What is Long Term Monitoring?

Long Term Monitoring (LTM) uses an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record your child’s brain activity over time. A video camera and microphone also record your child during this test. These recordings help the care team understand what is happening during your child’s seizures or event.

Why Does My Child Need LTM?

LTM helps the care team:

• Record seizures when they happen.
• Determine whether seizures are caused by epilepsy or another condition.
• Make decisions about the best treatment and care for your child.

Why is LTM Done in the Hospital?

LTM requires continuous EEG and video monitoring, including while your child sleeps. Staying in the hospital allows the care team to safely monitor your child and record seizures as they occur. Most children stay at least 1 night in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). Some children may need to stay longer while the care team waits to capture a seizure or event. Your child's care team will discuss the expected length of stay with you.

Where is LTM Done?

Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) can take place at one of our campus locations. Please review the directions for your assigned location below.

Milwaukee Campus

• Stop at the Welcome Desk to get a visitor badge and directions to Admitting.
• After you finish in Admitting, you will be directed to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU).

Fox Valley Campus

• Enter through Entrance 3 (next to the Emergency Department).
• Take the elevator to the 4th floor. Turn right and use the phone outside the unit to be let into the Pediatric Unit.
• Call 920-969-7900 if you need help finding your way.

Will I Need to Stay With My Child During LTM?

Yes. A parent or guardian must stay with their child throughout the entire LTM stay. Since your child is being monitored continuously, they cannot be left alone. One or two parents may stay overnight with their child. If a parent or guardian cannot be present, the LTM will need to be rescheduled.

• Brothers and sisters may visit but cannot stay overnight. Refer to the Children’s Wisconsin visitor information for more details.
• If you are the legal guardian, bring documents that confirm your guardianship.

How Do I Prepare for My Child’s LTM Stay?

To help us get the best EEG recording, please follow these steps before your child's LTM stay:

• Wash your child’s hair the night before using shampoo only.
• Do not use conditioner, oils, mousse, hairspray or other hair products.
• Remove braids, extensions, weaves, and hairpieces.
• We need to be able to easily reach your child's scalp to place the EEG leads. If we cannot, the LTM may need to be rescheduled.

What Should I Bring?

Your child will stay in their room while being monitored. Bringing familiar items can help make the hospital stay more comfortable.

Things to keep your child busy:

• Books
• Schoolwork
• Games
• Playing card
• Favorite toys
• Music
• Personal electronic devices
• Favorite blanket or stuffed animal

Other Items to Bring:

• Button-up shirts (these work best with the EEG leads).
• Glasses, hearing aids, or other assistive devices.
• Personal care items (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste).
• Food and snacks for yourself.
• A debit or credit card if you plan to buy meals (cash is not accepted).
• A list of your child's medicines, including doses and schedules.
• Please leave valuables, such as jewelry, at home.

Who Will We Meet During the Hospital Stay?

During the LTM stay, you may meet:

• Nurses, who will review your child's medical history and check height, weight, and vital signs.
• EEG technologists, who place and monitor the EEG leads.
• Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who manage day-to-day medical care.
• EMU providers and epileptologists, who review the EEG and video recordings.
• Other specialists, as needed.
• Child Life specialists, if requested.

What Happens During LTM?

• Your child will wear a hospital gown or button-up shirt.
• EEG leads will be placed on your child's scalp to record brain activity.
• A video camera and microphone will record your child throughout the test.
• Blood work may be needed.
• Most children do not need an IV. If an IV is needed, the care team will discuss it with you.
• You will be asked to press an event button whenever your child has a seizure or event.
• The care team will compare the EEG recording with the event you observe.

What Safety Measures Are Used During LTM?

These safety measures help prevent injury if your child has a seizure:

• A parent or guardian must stay with your child at all times.
• A parent or guardian may not sleep in your child's bed during monitoring. Staff must be able to clearly see your child on video.
• Your child must wear a helmet whenever they are out of bed.

Does LTM Hurt?

No. LTM does not hurt. The EEG leads may feel itchy, and the glue used to attach them may feel cold, wet, or sticky. Some children find it difficult to sit still while the leads are being placed. A Child Life specialist can help support your child during the setup. Placing the EEG leads usually takes about 90 minutes.

What Can My Child Do During Monitoring?

Your Child Can:

• Watch TV or movies.
• Listen to music.
• Use the bathroom.
• Play video games.
• Use battery-powered electronic devices.
• Visit the playroom when approved.
• Have visitors during visiting hours.

Your Child Cannot:

• Be alone at any time.
• Leave the EMU.
• Take a shower or bath (sponge baths are okay).
• Chew gum.
• Play with sharp objects.
• Jump on furniture or do activities that could cause injury.

What About My Child's Medicines?

• Give your child's medicines as usual before coming to the hospital unless your provider tells you otherwise.
• Bring a list of all medicines your child takes, including the names, doses, and when they are taken. You may also bring the medicine bottles or pictures of the medicine labels.
• The hospital pharmacy will provide your child's medicines whenever possible.
• If your child takes a medicine that needs to be refrigerated, leave it at home unless you are told otherwise.
• During the LTM stay, the care team may reduce or stop seizure medicines to help capture a seizure or event.
• Before your child goes home, the neurologist will discuss any medicine changes with you.