A method for placing electrodes on a patient uses a mobile device with built-in camera to generate a customized, virtual electrode template for neurological monitoring. The camera captures a digital image of the patient and is programmed to find landmarks, use analysis, and respond to manual input for electrode locations and generate a virtual electrode template. Facial recognition and edge detection software determines the outline of the patient's head when in the field of view of the camera monitor. The user then may assist the camera in identifying landmarks on the patient's head, such as the nasion, the inion, and the pre-auricular points, to facilitate generation of the virtual electrode template on the image in the camera's viewfinder, which template moves and rotates with the patient. The virtual electrode template guides the user in establishing a set of electrodes on the patient's head for neurological monitoring.
