What measurement units are used in the International 10-20 system?

The International 10-20 system employs centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm) as its measurement units. This system is utilized for the standardized placement of electrodes on the scalp in electroencephalography (EEG) and various neurophysiologic monitoring applications. The measurements enable clinicians to accurately determine the positions of electrodes relative to specific anatomical landmarks on the head, facilitating consistency and reproducibility in both clinical and research settings.

Centimeters and millimeters are practical for the precise localization required for electrode placement, allowing for the mapping of brain activity in a structured manner. This is particularly important in intraoperative monitoring, where the localization of electrodes can impact the interpretation of neurophysiological data during surgical procedures.