EKG and EEG are two procedures that are used in the medical diagnosis of different conditions related to the heart and brain. Although EEG and EKG might sound quite similar, they are two different examinations that delve into different parts of the human body.
The key difference between EKG and EEG is their function and use. EKG measures the rhythm of the heart, while EEG measures brain activity.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is EKG
3. What is EEG
4. Similarities – EKG and EEG
5. EKG vs EEG in Tabular Form
6. Summary – EKG vs EEG
7. FAQ: EKG and EEG
What is EKG?
EKG or electrocardiogram measures the heart’s electrical activity. During this procedure, electrodes are attached to the chest, legs, and arms to record the heart’s electrical impulses. The resulting graph shows the heart’s rhythm. It can reveal abnormalities such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other cardiac issues.

Figure 01: EKG
The total cost of an EKG without insurance can be between $100 and $5,000. An EKG is a very safe test. However, it may cause certain minor effects such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.
What is EEG?
EEG stands for electroencephalogram. It is a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain. This examination involves placing small sensors, known as electrodes, on the patient’s scalp. Later, these electrodes capture the electrical impulses produced by brain cells, showcasing the activity patterns of brain in the form of waves. EEGs help in diagnosing conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and various neurological ailments.

Figure 02: EEG
The cost of an EEG (awake and asleep) ranges from $400 to $675. EEG is normally a safe technique, but, sometimes, the patient may feel lightheaded and notice a tingling in the lips and fingers for a few minutes during the hyperventilation part of the test.
Similarities Between EKG and EEG
- EKG and EEG are medical diagnostic tests.
- Both are crucial in detecting diseases.
- Both are cost-effective medical tests performed by health care practitioners.
- They have minor side effects.
Difference Between EKG and EEG
Definition
- An EKG (electrocardiogram) is a quick test that checks the heartbeat.
- An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a quick test to check brain activity.
Procedure
- During EKG, electrodes are attached to the chest, arms, and legs to record the heart’s electrical impulses.
- During EEG, small sensors, known as electrodes, are placed on the patient’s scalp.
Cost
- EKG costs around $100 and $5,000.
- EEG costs around $400 to $675.
Diagnosis
- EKG can be used to diagnose arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other cardiac issues.
- EEG can be used to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and various neurological ailments.
The following table summarizes what is the difference between EKG and EEG.
Summary – EKG vs EEG
EKG and EEG are two abbreviations for two different medical diagnostic tests. EKG stands for electrocardiogram and measures the heart’s electrical activity, while EEG stands for electroencephalogram and measures brain activity. Moreover, EKG can be used to diagnose conditions like arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other cardiac issues, whereas EEG can be used to diagnose conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, and various neurological ailments. This is a summary of the difference between EKG and EEG.
FAQ: EKG and EEG
1. Is EKG for the heart or brain?
- An EKG (electrocardiogram) is a quick test to check the heartbeat or activity of heart. It records the electrical signals in the heart. This test results can help diagnose heart attacks and irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias.
2. Can an EKG detect a blockage?
- An EKG is used to assess whether the heart’s rhythm is regular or irregular. It can also help identify potential blockages that may be restricting blood flow to the heart.
3. What is EEG and its purpose?
- An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a test to measure electrical activity in the brain. This test uses small metal discs called electrodes attached to the scalp. Brain cells communicate these electrical impulses, and this activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording graph.
4. What is EEG test used to diagnose?
- EEG test can be used to help diagnose a number of medical conditions, including various neurological ailments such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain tumours.
5. What can an EEG detect that an MRI cannot detect?
- EEGs have excellent high temporal resolution, which allows them to capture rapid changes in brain activity within fractions of a second. Although MRIs are useful for measuring brain activity, they lack the same level of temporal precision as EEGs.
Reference:
1. “Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
2. “Electroencephalogram (EEG).” Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Image Courtesy:
1. “EKG Complex en” By Derivative: RehuaOriginal: Hank van Helvete – This file was derived from: EKG Komplex.svg (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “EEG Recording Cap” By Chris Hope – (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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