Novel method of altering stimulus parameter to facilitate seizure induction during electroconvulsive therapy

A generalized seizure (GS) is a prerequisite for an effective electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) session, and a number of parameters determine its successful induction. There are instances (eg. elderly patients, or patients on anticonvulsant medications), when a clinician would not be able to elicit a GS, despite using the maximum charge limit of an ECT device [1]. In this scenario, options, such as vigorous hyperventilation, pretreatment with xanthines, lowering the dose of anesthetic agents and the use of etomidate/ketamine have been suggested [1].
Source: BRAIN STIMULATION: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research