What are the side effects of electroconvulsive therapy?

Many people may not understand what electroconvulsive therapy is. In fact, electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment method that uses electric therapy to cause whole body convulsions to achieve the purpose of treating diseases. However, it is prone to complications, such as respiratory arrest, fractures, dislocations, aspiration pneumonia and other side effects.

(1) Respiratory arrest: During treatment, spontaneous breathing is not restored 20-30 seconds after the convulsion stops.

(2) Fracture and dislocation: Dislocation of the mandibular joint is more common and is often caused by improper protection by the operator. Compression fractures of the middle and upper thoracic vertebrae (4-8) are more likely to occur. It is mostly caused by improper placement of the hard pillow or improper lying position of the patient.

(3) Aspiration pneumonia: It is mostly caused by eating before treatment, or vomitus or oral secretions being inhaled into the lungs when consciousness is restored.

(4) Circulatory collapse: The patient has pale complexion, bluish lips, rapid and weak pulse, and low blood pressure.

Because the electric shock therapy performed in hospitals now is intravenous anesthesia non-convulsive electroconvulsive therapy (mECT). Complications are generally rare.

(5) It is strongly recommended to go to a formal hospital for electroconvulsive therapy because a series of examinations, evaluations and preparations are required before treatment, possible complications cannot be predicted, the equipment and rescue equipment required for treatment are generally only available in larger hospitals, and there are professional personnel, professional care before and after treatment, etc.

(6) Performing ECT under anesthesia can reduce the risk of side effects (such as fractures) and increase its acceptability. Patients are anesthetized with a fast-acting hypnotic and muscle relaxant before electroconvulsive therapy. Treatment is usually given three times a week, either as an outpatient or inpatient, for a total of 6-12 treatments.