Research – choice of 4-channel montage for quick assessment

This article regards choosing 4 channels for a quick EEG assessment
If you have to pick one 4-channel connection, I’d first suggest F3 F4 P3 P4.
However, some people prefer C3 C4 Fz Pz.
F3 F4 P3 P4 is better for seeing language and related issues, and gives a good
interhemispheric view of both anterior and posterior.  Frontal asymmetry is
also evident, which relates to mood.  Also, posterior asymmetries can
be important.
C3 C4 Fz Pz is more oriented towards seeing the motor strip, and also the
front-back asymmetry.  For ADHD, the C3 C4 is important, plus you also
see any frontal action (hot cingulate), plus posterior activity.  Also, C3 C4
is one of the the most versatile places to do training, unless you subscribe
to the T3 T4 approach. Pz will also see a posterior cingulate abnormality.
I’d suggest doing eyes closed if you have to pick, as it is free of artifact.
Else, do both eyes open and eyes closed.
So if you have to pick, I’d consider C3 C4 Fz Pz eyes closed.
Second choice F3 F4 P3 P4 eyes closed.
It would be nice to get both sets.
Another approach is to use a MINI-Q II and get various sets.  This will
also give you topographic maps if you get 16 channels in 4 passes.  You
can actually do a full head mini-q in 5 minutes, once you get the electrocap on.
To just do 4 positions with stick-on sensors, you don’t need a cap.

Note:  This protocol design, and all designs provided by BrainMaster, are for demonstration and illustration purposes only.  It is the clinician’s responsibility to ensure that any designs used provide the intended feedback.

I have been interested in doing a research study for some time looking at diagnostic concerns and brainwave patterns.  I am in an interesting position to do this because I do approximately 10 psychological evaluations on children and adults every month.  I am wondering if you have any brilliant ideas on a way to set this up, making it relatively simple to gather data that could be useful post hoc in comparing patterns to diagnoses.  Specifically, I would like to only do a 4 channel hookup and get one recording due to time constraints.  This would obviously provide more information than a single electrode at CZ (for example), but where to put them?  A lot of the kids I see have ADHD and it would be interesting to examine other patterns, perhaps as it relates to specific behavioral correlates or results of the IVA?  Thoughts?

Posted to ‘General Information, Knowledge Base’ on August 23, 2012