The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly altered and impacted all areas of our lives, and one group that is especially affected are those with epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Difficulties In Receiving Medical Attention The COVID-19 pandemic has flooded the hospitals with those infected with coronavirus, which has made it difficult for many with epilepsy to be seen in a hospital. Virtual and video visits are one solution to this problem, but it is challenging to complete all areas of epilepsy care, specifically EEGs, through a virtual format. For those looking to have their epilepsy diagnose ..read more

From its first application a century ago to its widespread use in clinical studies and personal use, electroencephalograms (EEGs) are powerful diagnostic tools that provide a way to make sense of the most advanced part of the body, the brain. Without an EEG certain diseases and disorders cannot be diagnosed and treated, and we would be without considerable information regarding how the brain functions.   What is an EEG? An EEG is a test that analyzes brain waves to detect any abnormalities in the brain’s electrical activity. Small metal discs called electrodes are stuck to the scalp to ob ..read more

While having epilepsy can make the hunt for a job more difficult, it is not impossible, and many people with epilepsy can work and complete their job with no problems. In fact, some people with epilepsy do not even feel a need to disclose their medical condition to their employer because their medication has stopped all seizures. Job Consideration for Those with Epilepsy For those with epilepsy looking for a job, there are some things to consider before sending out resumes. Driving Needs Those with epilepsy whose seizure control is not quite at a level where they can obtain a driver’s license ..read more

An Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is a specialized unit where patients are admitted for 3-7 days. During this time, the patient undergoes continuous monitoring of their brain activity using EEG and video recordings.   How many EMUs are there in America? The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) offers an accreditation program to ensure that epilepsy centers follow standards of care and a set of evidence-based guidelines. According to NAEC, there are more than 260 EMUs in the United States. More highly populated areas are more likely to be closer to an EMU, while others may ..read more

Intraoperative Monitoring Service (IOM) is a vital part of many surgical procedures. IOM monitoring is the process of constantly monitoring a patient's neurological function during surgery. This is done to ensure that the patient remains safe and healthy during the procedure. IOM technologists are responsible for performing this monitoring, and they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of patients undergoing surgery. This blog post will discuss the basics of IOM monitoring and answer some common questions about it. Who performs IOM monitoring? IOM technologists are the professionals who ..read more

Wilson F, J, Danjou P: Early Decision-Making in Drug Development: The Potential Role of Pharmaco-EEG and Pharmaco-Sleep Electroencephalography, or EEG, is a process of recording the brain's electrical activity. This process is used in pharmaceutical and clinical trials to measure the effects of new drugs and treatments. By measuring the electrical signals given off by the brain, scientists can better understand how different drugs and treatments affect cognitive function. In this blog post, we will discuss the role that EEG plays in pharmaceutical and clinical trials and how it helps researche ..read more

Neurology Live: Addressing the Neurologist Shortage and Increased Need for Neurologic Care There is a shortage of neurologists in the United States, and it is only going to get worse. According to a report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), there will be a shortage of 18,000 neurologists by 2025. This shortfall means that patients will not have access to the care they need, and it could also impact our economy as a whole. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons for the neurologist shortage and what can be done about it. Neurologists are doctors who specialize in tr ..read more

Neurology Insights: The Looming Shortage of Neurodiagnostic Technologists EEGs are one of the most important neurodiagnostic tests that can be performed. They are generally performed by a Neurodiagnostic Technologist and help to diagnose a variety of neurological conditions and help to determine the best course of treatment for the patient. However, there is a shortage of Neurodiagnostic Technologists in this country! This shortage is having a significant impact on neurology as a whole. In this article, we will discuss Neurodiagnostic Technologists and why they are so important to the field o ..read more

Health Cataylst: Surprise Billing in Healthcare: The No Surprises Act Takes a Stand for Patients The No Surprise Billing Act (NSA) is a new federal law that will take effect in 2022. This law establishes protections against surprise medical bills, which arise when insured consumers receive care from out-of-network hospitals, doctors, or other providers they did not choose. Out-of-network providers don't typically have established contract rates with insurance companies; the No Surprise Billing Act requires them to bill the health insurance first to see if services are covered under the patien ..read more

Journal of Medical Economics The study analyzed the economics of nearly 13,000 patients who received video-EEG and followed their claims data for the subsequent 12-month follow-up period. The authors concluded that VEEG procedures were approximately $10,000 less expensive in an outpatient vs inpatient cohort, and epilepsy-related healthcare costs were significantly lower during the follow-up period of 12 months after the procedure.    Read full article ..read more