Epilepsy & Video-EEG Monitoring
Epilepsy means a tendency to recurrent seizures from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. At FHI, our neurologists combine clinical assessment, MRI and EEG, with admitted video-EEG monitoring to capture and classify seizures, distinguish epileptic from non-epileptic events, guide medication, and identify candidates for epilepsy surgery.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Epilepsy is a tendency to have recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. To reach a precise diagnosis, our neurologists combine your clinical history with brain imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). When the picture is unclear or seizures are difficult to control, video-EEG monitoring becomes the key test: you are admitted to a dedicated monitoring unit where brain-wave activity (EEG) and video are recorded together continuously over hours to several days. This lets the team capture your actual seizures, classify the seizure type, distinguish epileptic seizures from non-epileptic events, and pinpoint where seizures begin. Most people's seizures are controlled with anti-seizure medication, which is reviewed and adjusted over time to balance seizure control against side effects.
When seizures persist despite medication (drug-resistant epilepsy), video-EEG findings, alongside MRI and further tests, help determine whether epilepsy surgery could reduce or stop seizures. An international patient coordinator guides you throughout: your existing EEG and MRI can be reviewed remotely before you travel, and you receive a transparent, itemized estimate covering tests, monitoring days and follow-up so there are no surprises.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults and children with recurrent or unexplained seizures who need a clear diagnosis
- People whose seizures are not controlled despite anti-seizure medication (possible drug-resistant epilepsy)
- Patients where it is unclear whether episodes are epileptic seizures or non-epileptic events
- Those being assessed as possible candidates for epilepsy surgery, to localise where seizures begin
- People needing their seizure type or syndrome reclassified to choose the right medication
- International patients able to stay for the planned monitoring period and follow-up review
What happens
- 1
Assessment
A neurologist reviews your seizure history, previous tests, current medications and any MRI or EEG you already have, then plans the imaging and monitoring you need.
- 2
Video-EEG monitoring
You are admitted to the monitoring unit, where EEG electrodes record brain-wave activity while synchronized video captures any seizures continuously over hours to several days. Sometimes medication is reduced under close supervision to help capture seizures.
- 3
Diagnosis & treatment plan
The team analyses the recordings to confirm the diagnosis, classify your seizures and locate their origin, then agrees a plan with you, whether adjusting medication or assessing suitability for epilepsy surgery.
- 4
Follow-up
You receive a written report and medication plan, and your coordinator arranges follow-up review with your local doctor, with remote check-ins as needed.
Benefits
- Captures and classifies your actual seizures rather than relying on description alone
- Distinguishes epileptic seizures from non-epileptic events, avoiding the wrong treatment
- Localises where seizures begin to guide medication and surgical decisions
- Helps tailor anti-seizure medication for better control with fewer side effects
- Identifies whether epilepsy surgery could help in drug-resistant cases
Risks & considerations
- To capture seizures, medication may be reduced under close supervision, which can briefly increase seizure frequency during monitoring
- More frequent or prolonged seizures occasionally occur and are managed promptly by the monitoring team
- Scalp electrodes and adhesives may cause minor, temporary skin irritation
- A stay of several days in the monitoring unit may be needed, and seizures are not always captured in a single admission
- Reduced mobility and disrupted sleep during the recording period
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Neurological Sciences Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Epilepsy & Video-EEG Monitoring — frequently asked questions
It is a test where EEG records your brain-wave activity while synchronized video captures any seizures. You stay in a monitoring unit so events are recorded as they happen. It usually takes from several hours to a few days, depending on how often your seizures occur and how quickly enough are captured.
When needed, your medication may be lowered to help capture seizures, but only under close supervision in the monitoring unit. Trained staff watch you continuously and treat any seizure promptly, and your medication is restored according to plan.
If seizures persist despite medication, video-EEG monitoring, MRI and further tests help locate where your seizures start and assess whether epilepsy surgery could reduce or stop them. If you are a candidate, our team explains the options before any decision is made.
Cost and length of stay depend on the tests and number of monitoring days you need, so we provide a transparent, itemized personalized estimate after reviewing your case. We do not quote a fixed price before understanding your situation.
Yes. You can send your existing EEG and MRI records and our neurologists will review them remotely, advise whether video-EEG monitoring is the right next step and help plan your stay before you travel.
Related treatments
Considering epilepsy & video-eeg monitoring?
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