ECoG is the standard abbreviation for electrocorticography. See the full entry for electrocorticography for comprehensive coverage.
Quick Reference
Location: Subdural (below dura mater, on brain surface) or epidural (above dura mater)
Electrode types:
- Strip arrays: Linear rows of electrodes, typically 4-8 contacts; inserted via small craniotomies for seizure monitoring
- Grid arrays: 2D arrays (e.g., 8x8 = 64 contacts) placed over larger cortical regions; used in clinical epilepsy mapping
- High-density ECoG: Modern research arrays with 1mm spacing and hundreds to thousands of contacts (Precision Layer 7: 1,024 electrodes)
- µECoG: Micro-ECoG with sub-millimeter electrode spacing for highest spatial resolution surface recording
Signal bandwidth: DC to ~500 Hz; captures high-gamma (70-150 Hz) which scalp EEG cannot
Clinical precedent: ECoG grids and strips are standard of care in pre-surgical epilepsy evaluation at major epilepsy centers, providing an existing clinical framework for BCI ECoG trials
Key BCI devices using ECoG:
- NeuroPace RNS System (4-electrode clinical device, FDA approved)
- Precision Neuroscience Layer 7 (1,024-electrode research/BCI device, IDE)
vs. Intracortical: ECoG sits on the cortical surface; does not penetrate tissue; lower single-neuron resolution but potentially more stable long-term and less inflammatory than penetrating arrays