electrocorticography
Pronunciation: e-LECK-tro-cor-ti-COG-ra-fee
Direct recording of electrical activity from the brain surface using surgically placed electrodes during epilepsy surgery.
Full Definition
Electrocorticography (ECoG) is an invasive neurophysiological technique that involves direct recording of electrical activity from the cortical surface using electrode grids or strips placed directly on the brain during neurosurgery. This method provides high-resolution spatial and temporal information about brain electrical activity, with superior signal quality compared to scalp EEG. ECoG is used both for seizure focus localization and functional brain mapping during epilepsy surgery, helping surgeons identify eloquent cortex to preserve while resecting epileptogenic tissue. The technique can reveal high-frequency oscillations and other patterns not detectable with conventional EEG.
Usage
Usage note: Single word; often abbreviated as ECoG; requires surgical exposure of brain.
In Context
- "Electrocorticography confirmed the seizure onset zone identified by preoperative studies." — Intraoperative report
- "High-frequency oscillations detected by electrocorticography guided the resection margins." — Surgical procedure note