In a referential montage, localization is determined by what factor?

In a referential montage, localization is primarily determined by amplitude. This method involves using a reference electrode placed at a neutral site and then recording the electrical activity from multiple sites on the scalp. When analyzing the data, the amplitude of the signals recorded helps to determine the strength of the electrical activity originating from specific brain regions.

Higher amplitude signals suggest more robust activity in the area close to the active electrodes compared to the reference. In contrast, the other factors such as frequency, duration, and wave morphology may provide additional context but do not primarily dictate localization in the same way that amplitude does. Amplitude directly correlates with the intensity of brain activity, thereby allowing clinicians and researchers to pinpoint which areas are generating the strongest electrical signals. Understanding this key aspect of amplitude in the context of referential montages is crucial for accurately localizing brain activity during assessments.