In MSLT sleep montage, which leads are used for EEG recording?

In the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), the leads used for EEG recording are typically placed over the central and occipital areas of the scalp. The central leads (C3, C4) monitor brain activity from areas associated with motor control and sensory processing, while the occipital leads (O1, O2) are specifically helpful for assessing visual processing and overall brain wave activity during sleep. This combination allows for a comprehensive analysis of sleep stages and brain function as patients transition into sleep during the test, providing critical information necessary for diagnosing sleep disorders such as narcolepsy.

The selection of central and occipital leads is based on their effectiveness in capturing the brain's electrical activity related to transitions between wakefulness and sleep, as well as the identification of distinct sleep stages. Other combinations of leads would not provide the same level of diagnostic information relevant to the specific requirements of an MSLT, which aims to evaluate a patient's sleepiness and potential disorders associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.