Is bilateral ECT safe?
Is bilateral ECT safe?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most effective intervention for treatment-resistant major depression. Studies comparing ECT applications have differed in ECT technique and patient samples, yielding inconsistent results, but bilateral treatments have generally been more effective than unilateral ones.
Are there different types of ECT?
There are 2 types of ECT. Bilateral ECT. This is when the current is passed through both sides of your head. Unilateral ECT.
Why is ECT so controversial?
Much of the controversy surrounding ECT revolves around its effectiveness vs. the side effects, the objectivity of ECT experts, and the recent increase in ECT as a quick and easy solution, instead of long-term psychotherapy or hospitalization.
For which category of patients is ECT most often prescribed?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.
What are the long term side effects of ECT?
But some people experience more long-lasting or permanent memory loss, including losing personal memories or forgetting information they need to continue in their career or make sense of their personal relationships. Some people also find they have difficulty remembering new information from after they’ve had ECT.
Can ECT damage your brain?
These conditions are not approached during ECT. Other findings indicate that the passage of electricity, thermal effects, and the transient disruption of the blood-brain barrier during ECS do not result in structural brain damage. Conclusions: There is no credible evidence that ECT causes structural brain damage.
What can go wrong during ECT?
As with any type of medical procedure, especially one that involves anesthesia, there are risks of medical complications. During ECT, heart rate and blood pressure increase, and in rare cases, that can lead to serious heart problems. If you have heart problems, ECT may be more risky.
How long does ECT results last?
There is considerable variability in the trajectories, but most commonly there is progressive symptomatic improvement within the first week and complete remission within 3 to 4 weeks.
What is the difference between bilateral and unilateral clefts?
Unilateral means the lip has a cleft on one side. Bilateral means there is a cleft on both sides. Complete indicates that the cleft extends from the lip all the way into the nose. Incomplete involves the lip but spares the nose.
What’s the difference between bilateral and unilateral ECT?
Depending on the location of the electrodes, ECT is defined as bilateral or uni-lateral. In bilateral ECT, one electrode is placed on the left side of the head, the other on the right side. In unilateral ECT, one electrode is placed at the top (vertex) of the head and the other typically on the right side. (The differences
How is the unilateral cleft lip surgery done?
Unilateral cleft lip surgery is done by a plastic or ENT surgeon. He/she makes an incision on each side of the cleft that extends from the lip to the nostril. Then, the surgeon uses tissues from the area to reshape the lip and suture two sides of it together.
Where are the electrodes located in unilateral ECT?
In unilateral ECT, one electrode is placed at the top (vertex) of the head and the other typically on the right side. (The differences between bilateral and unilateral ECT are discussed further on page 29.) When the current is passed between the electrodes, a generalized seizure is produced in the brain.