Difference between EMG and EEG electrodes

abheekboseabheekbose Singapore
in Electrodes
Hi - I am a complete newbie to the field so I wanted to know if there is any difference between the electrodes used in EEG and EMG.

a. What are the differences if any and what would be the selection criteria?
b. What happens if I use an EEG electrode for EMG signal capture and vice versa?

Thanks much!
Abheek

Comments

  • wjcroftwjcroft Mount Shasta, CA
    Abheek, hi.

    Most electrode types are interchangeable. The highest quality signals are from electrodes using Ag-AgCl, silver plate coated with silver chloride. EMG uses primarily this type in the form of adhesive, stick-on disks that are pre-gelled with electrolyte and an Ag-AgCl button in the center. This is the type sold in the OpenBCI store.

    The OpenBCI / FRI dry electrodes are also Ag-AgCl.

    Gold or silver cup electrodes are widely used for EEG, with Ten20 paste. Although Ag-AgCl cup electrodes also exist, many of these are disposable. Tin metal EEG electrodes are also widely used, for example in the Electro-cap 19 channel caps.

    William
  • abheekboseabheekbose Singapore
    Thanks William...

    Appreciate the inputs

    When you say most electrodes are interchangeable - are there any electrodes which are not? I mean are there specific EEG and EMG electrodes?
  • wjcroftwjcroft Mount Shasta, CA
    Just click on the search, and then Images, and you can see the range of EMG stick ons.


    The cup and disk electrodes are for EEG, although they can work also for EMG if you are just checking out your connections, as in some of the tutorials. The 'comb' type electrodes with protruding pins are only used on scalp areas with hair.

    There are catalog companies that specialize in electrodes / medical supplies, just look through one of those.

    Regards,

  • abheekboseabheekbose Singapore
    Thanks William

    This gives me a much clearer idea


    Cheers!
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