ECGEEG

ECGEEG refers to the simultaneous recording of electrocardiography (ECG) and electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor cardiac and cerebral electrical activity in a time-synchronized manner. This combined modality supports the study of neurocardiac interactions and is used in settings where both brain and heart function are clinically relevant, such as epilepsy monitoring, intensive care, and perioperative care.

Practically, ECGEEG uses standard EEG electrodes placed according to a routine EEG montage, with additional ECG leads positioned to obtain reliable heart rhythm data. Modern monitoring systems provide synchronized timestamps and integrated displays, enabling concurrent review of EEG traces and ECG waveforms. Data can be sampled at high rates, and software may offer artifact rejection, annotation, and event-marking capabilities.

Clinical applications include seizure characterization and seizure-related autonomic changes, evaluation of syncope, monitoring of critically ill patients for arrhythmias or brain injury, and research into brain-heart interactions. In epilepsy monitoring units, ECG changes can accompany ictal events, enabling comprehensive assessment and SUDEP risk evaluation. In anesthesia and critical care, synchronized data help correlate hemodynamic events with cerebral activity.

Challenges involve electrical interference, motion and electrode impedance artifacts, and the need for integrated analysis tools and trained interpretation. Data management requires robust storage, secure transmission, and adherence to privacy and safety standards. While ECGEEG can provide richer diagnostic information, its interpretation relies on multidisciplinary expertise in both neurology and cardiology.