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Video-EEG telemetry

What we do

We carry out long-term brain monitoring of adults and children to assess conditions such as epilepsy. Some of these tests can take as long as three to five days. They include:

  • scalp video-EEG telemetry (VT)
  • home video telemetry
  • intra-cranial telemetry.

They all involve having an electroencephalogram (EEG), a painless test that records brain activity while you are being filmed to record a typical attack. You may have this on a ward as an inpatient or during an outpatient appointment that could last for one to five hours. Consultants, nurses and specially trained technicians carry out these tests.

One of our Epilepsy Nurse Specialists will call you before your appointment to explain what to expect.

Home video telemetry

This test could take up to a week and certain patients can have it at home, in a nursing home or another hospital, often meaning that you and your family can carry on with your daily routine.

To assess whether you are suitable, you will see a consultant at hospital or they will phone you. A technician will then call you to check whether your location is suitable for the test.

Preparing for your appointment

If you are staying in hospital for your test, you need to have a swab taken for MRSA before you come in. This is a simple and painless screening test that you can usually have at your GP surgery.

Please make sure your hair is clean when you come in for your test. Do not use any oils, gels or other hair products.

As these tests can take a long time, bring something with you to help pass the time, such as books, magazines, homework, a laptop or a personal music player.

Location

Fourth floor, Ruskin Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Contact Details

Conditions we treat

We can help monitor patients with epilepsy with the following tests:

  • diagnostic video EEG telemetry (1-7 days)
  • paediatric telemetry (1-7 days)
  • seizure classification and surgery for epilepsy work-up (3-10 days)
  • intrra-cranial telemetry (5-21 days)
  • sleep disorders (2 days)
  • movement disorders (2 days)
  • day-cases (2-5 hours)
  • activation clinic – dissociative seizures (1.5 – 2.5 hours).

Home video telemetry (HVT)

This service is an extension of our Video EEG telemetry service, which is usually carried out in the hospital for up to a week. HVT allows the assessment of whether a patient’s epilepsy can be treated with surgery, or it can be used to assess and classify the patient’s seizures. HVT allows the majority of our patients to have the test carried out at home as well as nursing homes or other teaching hospitals.

What is required before referring a patient

All patients require MRSA swabbing prior to admission and need to complete a telephone pre-assessment with the Epilepsy Nurse Specialist. The investigation could last several days.

Depending on the nature of the referral, there may be temporary reduction of anti-convulsants. Ideally a relative or someone who has seen the patient’s attacks should be available at some point during the stay for interview.

Booking a patient at King’s

Email your referral to: [email protected].

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Key Clinical Staff

Name Role
Dr Franz Brunnhuber Lead consultant for Clinical Neurophysiology