bipolar montage
EEG display showing voltage differences between pairs of adjacent electrodes to reveal field distribution patterns.
Full Definition
Bipolar montage is an EEG display configuration that shows voltage differences between pairs of adjacent electrodes arranged in chains across the scalp. Common bipolar montages include longitudinal (anterior-posterior chains) and transverse (left-right chains) arrangements. This montage type excels at revealing the field distribution of electrical activity through characteristic phase reversal patterns, where the maximum of a focal discharge appears as oppositely directed deflections in adjacent electrode pairs. Bipolar montages are particularly valuable for localizing epileptiform discharges and distinguishing focal from generalized abnormalities, though they may obscure some widespread activities that referential montages reveal more clearly.
Usage
Usage note: Essential for localization through phase reversal patterns; complements referential montage views.
In Context
- "The phase reversal at F7-T3 in bipolar montage confirmed the left anterior temporal spike focus." — EEG localization report
- "Bipolar montage revealed the characteristic field distribution of the epileptiform discharge." — Clinical neurophysiology interpretation