When reviewing an EEG, which element would you assess first for signal quality?

When reviewing an EEG, assessing electrode placement first is crucial for ensuring signal quality because the accuracy of the recorded brain activity heavily depends on how well the electrodes are positioned on the scalp. Proper placement according to the international 10-20 system or other standardized methods ensures that signals reflect the true electrical activity of the brain and minimizes artifacts that can arise from improper positioning. Issues such as misalignment or poor contact can lead to noise and inaccurate readings, which would compromise the entire interpretation of the EEG.

In contrast, while signal amplification, software interpretation, and digital storage are important facets of EEG analysis, they cannot compensate for poor electrode placement. If the electrodes are not correctly positioned, any amplification may enhance artifacts rather than the desired brain signals. Similarly, software can provide helpful analysis, but it will not correct for fundamental signal errors caused by poor electrode placement. Digital storage is necessary for recording the data, but again, it doesn't affect the quality of the signal being recorded if the electrodes are not properly placed. Therefore, ensuring correct electrode placement is the foundational step in assessing signal quality during an EEG review.