Neurotelemetry electrode application techniques compared

The secure and efficient affixation of EEG electrodes is an integral part of performing neurotelemetry; however there are currently no recommendations for the ideal method of affixing the electrodes that has evidence-based support. The purpose of this study was to find and determine the best hook up method based on the required hook up time and number of repairs. One hundred neurotelemetry patients were randomly assigned to one of the following four electrode application methods: collodion-Ten20, collodion-Elefix, Hypafix-Ten20, or Hypafix-Elefix. The collodion-Ten20 method had the longest average hook up time (53.7 min) and the lowest percentage of patients who needed repairs (24%); the Hypafix-Ten20 method had the shortest average hook up time (42.1 min); and the Hypafix-Elefix had the highest percentage of patients who needed repairs (86.4%). Based on these results, the study led to the recommendations that collodion-Ten20 be used for neurotelemetry studies lasting 24 hours or more and that Hypafix is more suitable for routine EEG studies.