A Guide to Electrode Selection, Location, and Application for EEG Biofeedback

Thomas F. Collura, Ph.D.,  P.E.

Fundamental concepts
All of the methods below have the  following elements in common:

• Selecting  electrode type
• Selecting  electrode location
• Physically attaching electrodes
• Maintaining an electrically secure connection
• Selecting the  electrode

Basically, there are four types of electrodes

• Disposable (gel-less, and pre-gelled types)
• Reusable disc  electrodes (gold, silver, stainless steel or tin)
• Headbands
• Saline based electrodes (various types)

Selecting  electrode location (See Also The  International 10-20 System)
For EEG biofeedback  applications, all electrode systems consist of a minimum of one pair of  electrodes (an "active" and an "indifferent") to record a channel of EEG, plus a third electrode as the "ground." Generally, the "active" electrode will be located on the head, near the brain area that is being monitored. The  "indifferent" electrode can also be on the head, but can also be on an ear, or behind an ear ("mastoid"). The "ground" electrode can be almost anywhere, but a  forehead or ear location is preferred.

Therefore, in order to record and  do biofeedback on a single channel, it can be as simple as placing a single electrode on the head, and an electrode on or behind each ear, to complete the recording. Such an arrangement can be placed in just a few minutes, and is very common in clinical biofeedback labs.

If a second channel is desired, at least one additional electrode is required; it can share the reference electrode  with the first channel. However, if "true" differential two-channel recording is  desired, for example for left/right coherence, or to compare two brain  locations, then a different reference should be used. The BrainMaster is  designed with 5 leads for two channels, thus permitting a separate reference for the two channels.

Physically attaching electrodes

The key  to a clean and accurate EEG reading is to make certain that the electrode is in proper contact with the skin. This is very important to maintain at all times  throughout the reading, and is very simple to obtain.

Clean the skin with an alcohol swab to remove surface oils. Abrade the skin with fingernail or  skin prep gel (Omni-Prep), applied with a Q-tip. Clean area with alcohol swab,  prep and clean again. It is imperative to do this twice as the second cleaning  insures the skin is free of the gel, so that the adhesive can stick well. Now  the skin is ready for the electrode.

Simple method using disposable electrodes

Disposable electrodes are the quickest and simplest way  to get a clean and accurate reading. They are limited in the locations they can reach because they will not stick where there is hair. Pay attention that the  entire electrode is securely fastened; it may be necessary to pat the electrode firmly and carefully to guarantee this. For example, a "Contour" electrode (PAD-1) can be applied behind the ear on the mastoid bone to provide a good alternative to an ear clip electrode. A "Classic" electrode (CIRC-1) can be used on the forehead or on bald areas.

During the recording, it is wise to  inspect the electrodes occasionally to insure that they are not falling off or  being pulled loose by the electrode wires. Properly affixed electrodes of this type can provide a secure connection for many hours of undisturbed recording.

Simple method using disc electrodes and 10/20 paste

Prepare the skin as instructed above. Apply generous quantity of 10/20 paste to skin and also to electrode (paste must fill the ball of the electrode cup). Secure electrode to the skin pressing firmly to ensure proper contact.

Earclips are also available using disc electrodes. Either 10/20  paste or electrode gel can be used with them.

Clinical method using  disc electrodes with collodion, gauze and electrode gel

This method, generally used in a clinical setting, is time consuming and has specific requirements. The skin is cleaned with alcohol and an electrode is placed on the skin. The hair is parted, if necessary. Next a gauze pad is dipped in collodion  and secured over the electrode. Using a hypodermic needle, the electrode gel is  injected through the hole in the electrode cup and the skin is abraded with the blunt end of the needle. These electrodes can be re-gelled at any time to provide a long lasting recording session lasting from hours to days. The  advantage of this method is that electrodes can be placed virtually anywhere  with precise location. It is, however, a costly, uncomfortable, smelly and  hazardous method.

Commercial headbands and electrode hats

A variety of products are supplied with headband-type connectors.  These include cup and disc-type electrodes, generally of gold or stainless steel, connected to an adjustable elastic band. These devices still require careful skin preparation. Usually they only allow electrodes to be positioned on the forehead or along the "hat band" ring around the head.

For example, the WaveRider, Brain Tracer, and Mind Mirror III are supplied with headbands.

Headband electrodes can be used for various EEG recording if one keeps in mind the best electrode placement locations. For example, the WaveRider headband could be used to obtain three connections for a "frontal" EEG recording keeping in mind that the forehead derivation will be prone to EMG (muscle)  contamination.

Saline-based electrodes

A variety of saline-based electrodes are available, that use salt water in place of electrode  gel. All require a headband, clips, or other means of attaching them to the head. They can use any electrode material (gold, silver, etc.) and can provide an excellent connection. Some skin preparation is still required. Care must be  taken to ensure that the mechanical contact remains firm, and that the  electrodes remain wet with saline, to maintain a proper electrical contact.

Maintaining an electrically secure connection

The  following tips will help to ensure that a good connection is made, and  maintained:

• Check electrode  impedance if possible. They should be below 20K Ohms apiece. If electrode impedance’s are high or are drifting, add gel or saline, and check to make sure that there is a firm mechanical contact.
• Monitor the  waveform display, if possible, using visual inspection to insure that a clean  EEG signal is being obtained. Tapping or pressing the electrodes should show a  clear artifact, demonstrating that the amplifiers are working properly. If there is excessive drift, check the electrodes. If there is high-frequency noise, look for a source of interference such as electrical equipment or stray wires.