Elektrodplacering

Elektrodplacering refers to the placement of electrodes on the body to measure electrical activity or deliver electrical stimulation. Proper placement is essential for signal validity, interpretation and reproducibility, and is tailored to the clinical or research context.

Applications include electrophysiological monitoring and diagnostics such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), as well as functional brain stimulation and intraoperative monitoring.

In EEG, the 10-20 system is commonly used. This standardized method places electrodes on the scalp at positions related to underlying brain regions. Positions are labeled with letters and numbers, covering areas such as Fp1/2, Fz, Cz, Pz and Oz, with lateral sites like F7/8, T3/4 and P7/8. Electrodes serve as registered signals, while reference and ground electrodes are placed according to protocol.

For EMG, electrodes can be over the muscle belly as surface electrodes or inserted as needle electrodes into the muscle. Surface EMG typically uses a reference and a ground electrode placed away from the target area to reduce artifacts. In ECG, electrodes are placed in a standard configuration on the chest and limbs, with skin prepared to ensure good contact and low impedance.

Safety and quality control are central. Skin preparation, hygiene, and proper fixation reduce artifacts and skin irritation; sterile technique is required for invasive electrodes; impedance should be checked and kept within acceptable ranges; procedures follow established guidelines and training to minimize risk and error.