Why simultaneous video and EEG matters
Video EEG links each change in brain activity to what the patient is doing at the same moment. That is essential when events could be epileptic seizures, fainting, sleep-related movements, functional attacks or medication effects. A short routine EEG may miss a focal seizure or record only between events.
The recording also helps classify seizure type, count how often seizures occur, identify the part of the brain where they start, and assess whether a patient with drug-resistant epilepsy should be referred for surgical evaluation. For some patients it answers the question that changes treatment completely.
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When long-term monitoring is considered
Video EEG is most useful when events are frequent enough to be captured, when the diagnosis is uncertain, or when the current treatment is not working. It is also used before epilepsy surgery and when a patient has both epileptic and non-epileptic attacks.
The decision is individual. Dr. Yadav reviews the event description, witness or phone video, prior EEGs, MRI and medication history first. If the likely yield is low, a different test or a shorter recording may be more appropriate.
- Blackouts or attacks of uncertain cause
- Suspected non-epileptic or functional events
- Frequent seizures despite medication
- Pre-surgical epilepsy evaluation
- Nocturnal events or unusual movement disorders
What the monitoring involves
Electrodes are attached with a longer-lasting paste or collodion and connected to a recording system. A camera runs continuously, including overnight. Depending on the protocol, the patient may stay in a monitoring unit for one to several days. Sleep may be partly restricted and medication may be adjusted only under medical supervision to bring on a typical event.
Staff watch for seizures and safety. Most people experience skin irritation or difficulty sleeping; serious complications are uncommon. The recording is reviewed afterwards by the neurologist, and the findings are explained alongside the video and the clinical history.
| Question | What video EEG adds |
|---|---|
| Is this event a seizure? | Shows whether brain activity changes during the event |
| Which seizure type is it? | Links behaviour to the EEG pattern |
| Where does it start? | Helps localise a focal onset for treatment planning |
| Is surgery an option? | Provides core data for pre-surgical evaluation |
Access and booking
Appointments are at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, 117 Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, opposite Yak & Yeti Hotel. Call +977-9747736624 or use /book-appointment. Bring prior reports, imaging, seizure or symptom records and a medication list. Neurophysiology tests are arranged at an affiliated laboratory or hospital when indicated; the consultation confirms whether the test is appropriate and explains the result.