Diagnostic utility of pediatric epilepsy monitoring unit: Retrospective single center study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate drug resistance epilepsy (DRE) patients with persistent seizures after using of standard antiepileptic drugs. This single center study aimed to investigate the utility of Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) resulted in a definitive diagnosis. METHODS: This was an observational retrospective study in 323 children who were admitted to the EMU for evaluation between 2012 and 2020. RESULTS: Of the 323 patients, 168 (52.01%) were males. The most common referral for EMU were better characterization 91 (28.17%) and pre-surgical evaluation 56 (17.3%). Of the participants, 273 (84.5%) had seizures one to 2 times per day. At discharge, 75.5% of admissions received a definitive diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The EMU admission for pediatric epilepsy patients is very important for early accurate diagnosis and management with surgery for those consider DRE patients.