referential montage
An EEG display method where each electrode is referenced to a common inactive electrode, allowing direct visualization of individual electrode potentials.
Full Definition
A referential montage displays EEG activity by connecting each active electrode to a single reference electrode, typically placed at an electrically inactive location such as the earlobes, mastoids, or vertex. This configuration allows direct assessment of the electrical activity beneath each electrode and is particularly useful for identifying focal abnormalities and determining amplitude relationships. Common referential montages include linked ears, average reference, and Cz reference. While referential montages excel at showing focal changes, they may be susceptible to reference electrode contamination if the reference site becomes active.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the reference electrode location when describing referential montage findings.
In Context
- "The referential montage using linked ear reference clearly demonstrated the focal slowing over the left temporal region." — EEG interpretation
- "Switching from bipolar to referential montage helped localize the source of the epileptiform discharges." — Technical analysis report