A percutaneous epidural screw electrode for intracranial electroencephalogram recordings.

A new epidural electrode for monitoring brain electrical activity is described. The electrode is a tapered screw that is easily inserted percutaneously and removed without general anesthesia. The epidural screw has been used without complications for ictal and interictal electroencephalogram recordings in four patients with medically refractory complex-partial seizure disorders. The epidural screw electrode offers the advantages of easy insertion and removal, patient comfort, artifact-free electroencephalogram recordings, and minimal risk of intracranial infection or hemorrhage.