Once you are fast asleep, a small electric current is passed across your head and this causes a mild fit in the brain. There is little movement of your body because of the relaxant injection that the anaesthetist gives. When you wake up, you will be back in the waiting area. Once you are wide awake, you will be offered a cup of tea. An ECT treatment involves having an anaesthetic.
Some people wake up with no side effects at all and simply feel very relaxed.
Others may feel somewhat confused or have a headache. There will be a nurse with you when you wake up after the treatment to offer you reassurance and make you feel as comfortable as possible. During ECT a small amount of electric current is sent to the brain. This current produces a seizure which affects the entire brain, including the centres which control thinking, mood, appetite and sleep. Repeated treatments alter chemical messages in the brain and bring them back to normal.