6.4 positioning the sensor on the patient’s head

If the external battery is attached, remove it by pressing the side latches and pulling it upwards as shown in Figure 6.4-1.

Figure 6.4-1 Removing the External Battery.

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Thread the selected headband through the sensor notches as shown in Figure 6.2-2. Re-attach the external battery onto the sensor by pressing the side latches and releasing them when the battery is correctly positioned. Finalize the headband assembly by snapping the turnbuckle to the band extremities.

Figure 6.4-2 Installing headband on Sensor.

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With the sensor and headband assembled, place the headband around the patient’s head so that the sensor is located just above the ear. The sensor itself should contact the scalp in the temporal-parietal region about 2 inches (5-6 cm) above the entrance of the external auditory canal in the coronal plane and just below the boss of the head where the circumference is greatest, as shown in Figure 6.4-3. Either side of the head will work for sensor placement.

Figure 6.4-3 Positioning the sensor on the head.

Once the sensor is in place, tighten the headband for a snug and comfortable fit by turning the turnbuckle clockwise until a last click can be heard without excessive force (Figure 6.4-3).

• If the patient is awake, ask if he/she is comfortable with the pressure. If not, readjust the headband to a comfortable fit.

• Under conditions in which patients do not respond, check for any signs of discomfort or skin damage at least every five minutes.