Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)
Expert, Personalized Care for Seizures and Epilepsy
The UNC Health Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) provides specialized, inpatient evaluation for individuals experiencing seizures, epilepsy, or unexplained spells. As a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC), our team delivers the highest level of diagnostic care available.
How We Monitor & Diagnose Seizures
Using continuous video EEG monitoring, advanced sensors, and 24/7 observation, our team gathers detailed information about your brain activity to help determine the cause and type of your seizures. Most patients stay 4–5 days, depending on how long it takes to safely record seizure activity.
Your Care Team
During your stay, you will be cared for by a multidisciplinary team including epileptologists, nurses, EEG technologists, and advanced practice providers. Each member of your care team is focused on your safety, comfort, and long‑term seizure management. A family member or support person is welcome to stay with you in your private room to help identify events as they occur.
Next Steps in Your Treatment
If testing suggests you may benefit from additional therapies or epilepsy surgery, our multidisciplinary group—including neurology, neurosurgery, radiology, psychology, and psychiatry experts—will review your results and guide you through the next steps. Our goal is to help you achieve better seizure control and an improved quality of life.
Learn More
Adult Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
UNC EMU History
The UNC EMU first opened in 1984 with four dedicated private adult beds and two dedicated pediatric beds. In 1988, UNC EMU joined NAEC as a member and performed the first Ictal Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). In the 1990s, the UNC Epilepsy Center started offering an epilepsy surgery treatment in addition to traditional medical therapy. In 2012, the UNC EMU re-opened with the current locations in the Neuroscience Hospital and the Children’s Hospital after renovation of the floor plan, renovation of rooms, extensive staff training and establishment of extensive patient safety protocols. With the expansion of EMU in 2015, the facility includes seven private beds for adults and four beds for our pediatric patients.
Since 1984, all personnel in the EMU and medical directors are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients with seizure, epilepsy and/or unknown spells. The UNC Epilepsy Center and EMU have actively participated with physician education and various research studies (from clinical drug trials to basic science) to provide better diagnostic and treatment options to patients with epilepsy.