electrocorticography
Also written as: ECoG — electrocorticography
Direct recording of electrical activity from the surface of the brain using electrodes placed on the cortex during surgery.
Full Definition
Electrocorticography (ECoG) is an invasive neurophysiological monitoring technique that records electrical activity directly from the brain's surface using electrodes placed on the cortex. In pediatric neurology, it is primarily used during epilepsy surgery to map seizure foci and identify eloquent brain areas that must be preserved. The procedure provides higher spatial resolution and better signal quality than scalp EEG, making it invaluable for surgical planning in children with refractory epilepsy. ECoG can be performed intraoperatively or through chronically implanted grids for long-term monitoring.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as ECoG in clinical documentation. Distinguish from surface EEG which records from scalp electrodes.
In Context
- "The neurosurgeon used electrocorticography to precisely locate the seizure focus before resection." — Surgical report
- "ECoG monitoring confirmed that the epileptogenic zone was confined to the right temporal lobe." — Medical record