ABSTRACT
This is part one of a two part series of articles describing the staffing model utilized for neurotelemetry and epilepsy unit monitoring. After peer review, many administrative and technical questions were left unanswered which will be addressed in the second article. Indiana University Health Neuroscience is a facility that provides all levels of care for adult and pediatric patients regarding their specific neurological needs. The facility currently has 24/7 monitoring at Methodist Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children, consisting of adult and pediatric patients for neurotelemetry and epilepsy unit monitoring. Each unit must have staffing models as well as specific protocols in order to adequately monitor each patient's EEG and maintain safety. Specific recommendations, protocols, and requirements have been drafted by administration to maintain a safe patient to neurodiagnostic technologist ratio of 4:1.
Subject(s)
Electroencephalography/methods , Epilepsy/diagnosis , Models, Organizational , Monitoring, Ambulatory/methods , Neurology , Personnel Staffing and Scheduling/organization & administration , Telemetry/methods , Indiana , WorkforceABSTRACT
The secure and efficient affixation of EEG electrodes is an integral part of performing neurotelemetry; however there are currently no recommendations for the ideal method of affixing the electrodes that has evidence-based support. The purpose of this study was to find and determine the best hook up method based on the required hook up time and number of repairs. One hundred neurotelemetry patients were randomly assigned to one of the following four electrode application methods: collodion-Ten20, collodion-Elefix, Hypafix-Ten20, or Hypafix-Elefix. The collodion-Ten20 method had the longest average hook up time (53.7 min) and the lowest percentage of patients who needed repairs (24%); the Hypafix-Ten20 method had the shortest average hook up time (42.1 min); and the Hypafix-Elefix had the highest percentage of patients who needed repairs (86.4%). Based on these results, the study led to the recommendations that collodion-Ten20 be used for neurotelemetry studies lasting 24 hours or more and that Hypafix is more suitable for routine EEG studies.
Subject(s)
Electroencephalography/instrumentation , Tissue Adhesives , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Analysis of Variance , Electrodes , Electroencephalography/methods , Electroencephalography/standards , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polyesters , Prospective Studies , TelemetryABSTRACT
Variations of cranial nerve morphology may effect surgical technique and, if not appreciated, lead to complications and iatrogenic injury. The authors report an unusual course of the hypoglossal nerve within the posterior cranial fossa observed during microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm.
