New Seizure Investigation Unit opens at Royal University Hospital
A newly renovated unit at Royal University Hospital (RUH) will facilitate enhanced monitoring and diagnostic services for patients with seizure disorders or epilepsy.
“Previously, people undergoing seizure monitoring at RUH found themselves in a shared space alongside critically ill patients, which heightened their stress and presented obstacles for our medical team to capture crucial patient information,” said Dr. Alexandra Carter (Neurology), Medical Director of the Saskatchewan Epilepsy Program with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the University of Saskatchewan.
The new Seizure Investigation Unit (SIU) opened on Sept. 14, 2023, with $1.2 million in funding for capital and equipment costs from Royal University Hospital Foundation and $1 million from the Government of Saskatchewan
The SIU is a highly-specialized and controlled environment, which allows neurologists and other physicians to monitor brain activity in patients for a certain period. This typically includes performing surgical interventions to gather important information, such as the nature and origin of seizures.
The SIU was designed with input from patients and family members to create a nurturing, home-like atmosphere to support the unique requirements for people with difficult-to-diagnose or difficult-to-treat seizures or epilepsy. Many patients living with seizure disorders or epilepsy can control seizures with medication. However, in some cases seizures are resistant to medication and surgery can be an option, which is determined through in-depth monitoring and diagnostic treatments.
“Our new Seizure Investigation Unit creates an environment where comfort and cutting-edge care converge, allowing us to provide advanced medical care tailored to our patients’ needs and help fulfill our mission to the people of Saskatchewan living with seizures and epilepsy,” said Carter.
The new four-bed unit doubles the number of inpatient beds previously available.