Time distribution of epileptic seizures during video-EEG monitoring. Implications for health insurance systems in developing countries

An attempt was made to identify guidelines to help establish epilepsy monitoring units in developing countries. We assessed the time distribution of seizures during video-EEG monitoring and we also estimated the minimum time required for such a procedure and the impact of these variables upon the health insurance system. Mean time for recording five stereotyped clinical events was 72 hours, with a significant number of events recorded between midnight and 0600 hours (P < 0.05). This pilot study may help to establish local policies that will warrant an adequate work-up for our patients.