What is the term for having more than one independent focus in an EEG?

The term for having more than one independent focus in an EEG is “multifocal.” This terminology is used in the context of electroencephalography to describe the presence of several distinct regions of abnormal electrical activity within the brain, which can be indicative of various neurological conditions. Multifocal activity suggests that there are multiple sites generating asynchronous electrical discharges, which may complicate the clinical picture and potentially influence diagnosis and treatment strategies.

In contrast, other terms such as “monofocal” and “unifocal” refer to the presence of a single focus of electrical activity. “Polyfocal” is generally used interchangeably with multifocal but is less commonly adopted in clinical reporting. Understanding these terminologies is essential for interpreting EEG results accurately and providing effective patient care.