What is a crucial part of conducting an EEG evaluation?

Electrode placement is a crucial part of conducting an EEG evaluation because it directly influences the quality and accuracy of the recorded brain activity. Proper placement of electrodes according to the International 10-20 System ensures that electrical activity from specific regions of the brain is effectively captured. This system provides standardized locations on the scalp that correspond to different areas of the brain, allowing for consistent and comparable recordings across different patients and studies.

If electrodes are not placed correctly, the EEG may misrepresent the brain's electrical activity, leading to potential misdiagnosis or inaccurate interpretation of results. The exact positioning also helps in localizing features of interest such as epileptic foci or abnormal activity, which are essential for clinical assessment and treatment planning. Accurate electrode placement is therefore foundational in ensuring that the EEG findings are valid and reliable, helping healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding patient care.