Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention employ a portable and wearable EEG monitoring device having a patient-worn amplifier releasably coupled to a host computer for transmitting EEG signals. When patient disconnection from the host computer is desired, a portable operations device (POD) can be connected to the amplifier. Preferably upon detecting disconnection, a controller causes new EEG signals to be routed to a removable memory or transmitter peripheral card, enabling seamless data acquisition. Upon detecting reconnection between the amplifier and the host computer, the controller causes new EEG signals to be routed to the host computer. The controller also preferably transmits EEG signals stored on the peripheral memory card (if used) to the host computer. Preferred embodiments include a handheld display apparatus for viewing EEG signals and electrode information. Also, preferred embodiments reduce patient tethers by connecting multiple amplifiers in a daisy-chain format (most preferably on a PAN bus).