Jamaica Hospital Medical Center First Hospital in Queens to Utilize Ceribell Rapid Response Technology

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is the first hospital in Queens to utilize the most advanced technology to detect and diagnose seizure activity for critically ill patients to ensure they receive the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.

Millions of Americans live with seizures, which are defined as sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Seizures may occur after a stroke, a head injury, an infection such as meningitis, or another illness. They can take on many different forms and affect different people in different ways, and in some cases, may not generate any physical symptoms. Seizures can cause changes in behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. If untreated, seizures can have a lasting negative effect on brain function.

Traditionally, to detect and treat seizures, doctors need to rely on electroencephalography (or EEG) monitoring, which is not always readily available. Now, Jamaica Hospital can provide immediate detection of seizures through the application of the Ceribell Rapid Response EEG program. The Rapid EEG is the first of its kind and provides a vital sign of harmful brain patterns that do not produce observable signs in the patient and can only be diagnosed using EEG.

The Ceribell Rapid Response device is comprised of a simple headband with integrated electrodes, a pocket-sized recorder with intuitive software and an online portal for remote viewing. The system can be set up by a healthcare provider in a matter of minutes. Clinicians and nurses with no prior background in EEG can triage a seizure quickly and with a high rate of accuracy, and the technology’s remote capabilities allow a specialist to review the EEG data, assess response to treatment and optimize care, all in real-time, from nearly anywhere.

“This technology is now being offered in our Emergency Department and in our Intensive Care Units,” said Dr. Aashish Patel, Director of Neurology at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Our entire team has been trained to use the Ceribell device and everyone marvels at its ease of use and diagnostic accuracy. This advancement will greatly benefit our most critically ill patients and help us provide immediate and appropriate care.”

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Seizure First Aid Do’s and Don’ts

A seizure can be a frightening event for the person who is experiencing it as well as the bystander.  According to WebMD, “tonic-clonic seizures are the most dramatic and frightening.”

During tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, a person may convulse (jerking movements), lose consciousness, have stiffened muscles or bite their tongue or cheek.  A person can also lose control of their bladder or bowels.

What should you do in the event that someone you know is having a tonic- clonic seizure? Here is how you can help them:

  • Keep calm
  • Cushion or support their head
  • Look to see if they own an epilepsy card or identification jewelry-this may provide you with information about the next steps you can take
  • Protect them from injury by removing objects  within reach
  • Lay them on their side
  • Loosen tight clothing, especially around the neck
  • Time how long convulsions last
  • Once convulsions have stopped, place them in the recovery position (pictured below)

seizures

 

 

 

 

 

It is also important to know what not to do during these seizures, do not:

  • Put anything in their mouths
  • Restrict or restrain their movements
  • Try to move them (only do so if they are in danger)
  • Feed them or give them beverages (wait until they are fully alert)

If seizures continue for more than five minutes, call 9-1-1 immediately.   Other times you should call emergency services is if, you know this is the person’s first seizure, they are having seizures one after the other, they are pregnant, there are injuries caused by the seizure or you believe they are in need of urgent medical attention.

For more information on seizure first aid, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/basics/first-aid.htm.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.