A muscle relaxant is administered to assure that muscular contractions associated with the seizure are mild. Once the patient is asleep, a small, carefully controlled amount of electricity is passed between two electrodes on the patients head, producing a generalized seizure in the brain which lasts for approximately one minute. When the procedure is completed and the anesthesia wears off, the patient is transported to the recovery room for observation. The procedure and recovery take approximately 45 minutes. The number of treatments recommended is based on the individual patient's needs and responsiveness to the procedure.
Progress is evaluated after each session.
Many patients receive a total of six to twelve treatments per episode of care. Common Side Effects ECT is a safe medical procedure when administered according to sound medical practice and in adherence to appropriate preparatory guidelines. As with all forms of medical treatment, some patients may experience some side effects. These may include headache, muscle soreness, nausea, temporary irregularities in heart rate, confusion and memory problems and in rare instances, damage to fragile teeth. Nationally, an estimated one procedure per 10,000 patients has resulted in death.