Kopfhautkontakte

Kopfhautkontakte, German for scalp contacts, refers to the points on the scalp where electrodes are placed to record or stimulate brain activity. These contacts are crucial for various neuroscientific and medical applications. In electroencephalography (EEG), scalp contacts are used to measure the electrical impulses generated by the brain. The placement of these electrodes follows standardized systems, such as the 10-20 system, to ensure consistent and comparable recordings across individuals and studies.

The scalp is a complex anatomical structure, and the quality of the contact between the electrode and the scalp significantly impacts the signal. Factors like hair, skin oils, and movement can interfere with signal acquisition. Therefore, proper preparation of the scalp, often involving cleaning and sometimes abrading the skin gently, is essential to achieve a low-impedance contact and obtain clear signals.

Beyond recording, scalp contacts are also utilized in transcranial electrical stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). In these applications, electrodes are placed on the scalp to deliver weak electrical currents to specific brain regions, aiming to modulate neural activity for therapeutic or research purposes. The precise placement and configuration of these contacts are critical for targeting the intended brain areas and achieving the desired effects. Understanding the principles of Kopfhautkontakte is fundamental for anyone working with neurophysiological measurements or stimulation.