protocol for electro-convulsive therapy
Last reviewed 07/2021
Electro-convulsive therapy is applied in the following manner:
- the patient is given a general anaesthetic with a muscle relaxant
- for bilateral ECT electrodes are placed on the temples
- for unilateral ECT the electrodes are placed at the front and back of one side of the head
- current is passed between the electrodes
- seizure activity must last more than 30 seconds to be effective
- a course of ECT usually consists of 6-12 sessions occuring 2-3 times per week