EEG When It's Needed: How Zeto Supports a One-Stop Approach to Pediatric Neurology

Families often travel long distances to see a pediatric neurologist. When EEG cannot be performed during the same visit, returning for another appointment can add time, travel and stress for families.

Dr. Tamara Zach, M.D., a pediatric neurologist at Rose Medical Pavilion in Arizona, has incorporated Zeto into her outpatient practice to help perform EEGs during the initial visit when appropriate patients are seen and an EEG technologist is not available. In this interview, she discusses patient selection, workflow, and the role Zeto plays in helping her provide more convenient care.

When an EEG technologist is not available – or is busy with another study – Dr. Zach can still obtain an EEG using Zeto. Her medical assistant can apply the headset, allowing appropriate pediatric patients to have an EEG during the same visit.

For Dr. Zach, that flexibility supports a larger goal: creating a “one-stop shop” for families.

“The fact that I can do the EEG right there and then is a big win. Parents love that.”

Can you tell us about your experience using Zeto with pediatric patients?

I’ve been using Zeto’s latest EEG headset, Zeto ONE/New Wave, in my practice for some time. It’s a great device. We really like it better than the previous one, which looked like a bike helmet.

I usually do a 45-minute EEG. It works really well, gives me good information, and I can use it anytime. All of these things really help my practice.

You do have to choose the right patient – someone who can sit still and cooperate – but for those patients, it’s very useful. Patients are very happy with it. It’s lighter than the previous headset and better tolerated.

When do you typically use Zeto in your practice?

I have an EEG tech in the office only certain days of the week. On the other days, when I don’t have an EEG tech – or if the EEG tech is busy doing another study – and I’m seeing a patient with new-onset abnormal events, those are the patients I’ll do a Zeto EEG on.

For me, they generally need to be around age seven or older, depending on how cooperative they are, up to age twenty-one. It has to be the right patient.

How does Zeto fit into your practice workflow?

My medical assistant sets it up. We put the patient in a separate room, my medical assistant applies the headset, and then monitors the study remotely.

The fact that my medical assistant can apply it and that it’s a quick application – those are really good qualities.

What feedback have you received from patients and their parents?

What parents really like is that I can do the EEG right there during the visit.

I have parents driving anywhere from an hour to three or four hours to see me. If they’re already there, they love that we can do the EEG that day and they don’t have to come back for another appointment.

That’s the biggest win. The fact that I can do the EEG right there and then with Zeto is a big win. They love that.

How does that fit with what you want to offer families in your practice?

I want to be a one-stop shop for parents. That’s my goal.

Being able to do the EEG right there when I need it really helps with that.

You used Zeto’s first-generation EEG helmet and now use the latest device. How do they compare?

The latest one is lighter, easier to apply, and better tolerated. Those are the biggest advantages.

I really like this new device more.

How does the quality of Zeto EEG compare with traditional EEG?

If you choose the right patient (cooperative), it’s just as good as traditional EEG.

How important is it that the system is gel-free?

I think it’s very nice to have. Parents do complain about how dirty the hair is with conventional EEGs.

At least the way I’m using Zeto in my office, it’s for that patient who comes in and I need to do the EEG right there and then, especially when the EEG tech isn’t available.

My goal is to use it much more.

At a Glance