Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at UPMC Presbyterian

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is located on the seventh floor of UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood.

The new, state-of-the-art Epilepsy Monitoring Unit opened in February 2025. The 10-bed closed unit provides specialized seizure monitoring for patients diagnosed with epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

The unit uses industry-leading technology to provide 24/7 monitoring. It is staffed around the clock by physicians, nurses, technicians, and other professionals who specialize in epilepsy.

Patients must be referred to the epilepsy monitoring unit by a neurologist or epileptologist.

To schedule with the epilepsy monitoring unit, call 412-647-4600 Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Before entering the epilepsy monitoring unit, patients will receive instructions on what to expect during their stay.

Our Services

• Epilepsy.
• Epilepsy monitoring.
• Neurology.
• Neurosciences.

What to Expect

The epilepsy monitoring unit at UPMC Presbyterian monitors patients' neurological activity before, during, and after seizures.

Our team will attempt to provoke seizures in patients by tapering their medication and using other triggers. The goal is to evaluate seizures in a closed, safe environment to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Patients may be referred to the epilepsy monitoring unit if they:

• Are suspected to have functional seizures.
• Are planning pregnancy and have epilepsy.
• Are potential candidates for surgery.
• Have frequent seizures.
• Have refractory epilepsy, also known as medication-resistant or drug-resistant epilepsy.

The unit uses cutting-edge EEG technology to monitor brain activity. Electrodes are attached to patients' scalps and are connected to a computer. High-definition, real-time video EEG is also used to analyze visual seizure activity.

The staff is specially trained to care for patients with epilepsy. They are on-site 24/7 to monitor patients, provide care, and ensure their safety. Patients' beds include rails and safety pads to ensure their safety.

Patients stay in comfortable, private rooms that include private bathrooms. Family, friends, and others can visit them during their stay.

The length of a patient's stay in the epilepsy monitoring unit depends on their specific case. On average, patients stay three to five days, but the length could be shorter or longer.

Parking and Transportation at UPMC Presbyterian

Learn more about parking at UPMC Presbyterian.

Find another neurology location in Southwest Pa.

Find another neuroscience location in Southwest Pa.