The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Jack D. Weiler Hospital, Einstein Campus at Montefiore Einstein, is introducing a significant advancement in early-life neurological care with the launch of easily applied 24-hour continuous electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring using the newly available Ceribell neonatal headcap. This expanded capability is critical for accurately detecting subclinical seizures and for monitoring treatment response in newborns. Seizure activity in newborns is often subtle, making it difficult to recognize through clinical observation. The Ceribell system enhances detectability through bedside EEG monitoring, permitting early and continuous surveillance over extended periods. Furthermore, the neonatal headcap expands the ability of the intensive care unit (ICU) team to provide timely, continuous point-of-care EEG monitoring in the NICU. 

Neonatal seizures are among the most common neurological emergencies in newborns. They are associated with high morbidity and mortality. These outcomes are worsened by difficulties with detection and delayed treatment. Many seizures in this population are electrographic-only, with no visible clinical signs. Continuous EEG (cEEG), widely recognized as the gold standard for neonatal seizure detection (as well as for assessing seizure burden, monitoring treatment response and confirming resolution of seizures), has been available in our NICU for several years. However, it requires an EEG technician to be available to place electrodes.

“This new technology can meaningfully enhance the clinician’s ability to quickly detect and manage neonatal seizures,” said Elissa G. Yozawitz, MD, Director of Neonatal Neurology at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein. “Because seizures in newborns are often clinically silent and not recognizable at the bedside, continuous EEG is essential for accurate seizure diagnosis and assessing how infants are responding to treatment. Expanded access to this type of brain monitoring may allow pediatric neurologists to intervene earlier and tailor care more precisely for our most vulnerable patients.” 

The Ceribell neonatal headcap’s rapid application and wearable design for neonates and infants captures real-time data, allowing the ICU team in the NICU to monitor brain activity without interrupting essential neonatal care. Providing continuous 12-channel EEG monitoring enables assessment of seizure burden and treatment response, supporting faster diagnostic clarity, better informed clinical decisions and more timely interventions.

This clinical advancement builds upon Montefiore Einstein’s leadership in neonatal neurology and early-life epilepsy care. In 2025, our faculty contributed to multiple publications shaping international guidelines and standards for neonatal seizure diagnosis and management.  Collaborating with the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), these efforts focused on defining neonatal status epilepticus and on establishing frameworks to determine seizure etiology. Dr. Yozawitz served as lead author on a 2025 Epilepsia Open publication highlighting advances in neonatal seizure diagnosis and management, including the critical role of EEG—particularly continuous monitoring—in accurate seizure detection and treatment. The introduction of readily applied 24-hour cEEG translates this evidence-based approach directly into bedside practice.

This cutting-edge application underscores Montefiore Einstein’s commitment to improving informed care and ultimate outcomes for children presenting with neonatal seizures and early-life epilepsies. Home to one of the first Comprehensive Level 4 Epilepsy Centers, the highest designation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, Montefiore Einstein ranks in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery according to U.S. News & World Report. The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein is consistently recognized among the best children’s hospitals in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, we are designated as a Level 4 NICU and Regional Perinatal Center by the New York State Department of Health, delivering the highest level of care for newborns with the most complex and high-risk conditions.