ECT

Question 1

Nature

Answer 1

Small elec curr through brain suffic to induce seiz that is consid therapeutic. Us given 2x per week.
Unilat 2 electrodes over non domin hemis- slower action. Less cog se.
Bilat 1 electrode over each hemis- faster actin, more effec, more cog se.
-how works-
Neurot theory.
Neuroendoc theory.
Anticonvulsant theory- incr thresh, post ictal supp.
Neuro protec theory- incr BDNF, BF, and dendrites.

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Sev depressive illness
Uncontrolled acute mania
Catatonia

Question 3

Side effcts

Answer 3

-risk of anaes-
MI, arrhyth, aspirat pneum, prolonged apnoea, naus, adrenocortic supp, malig hyperthermia, musc ache, death.
-ECT-
Confus, headache, status epilepticus, stroke, arrhyth, ulcer bleed, PE, subconjunctival haemorr, raised intra occular press, broken teeth.
Memory- deps on total energ and site- retrograde, anterograde, episodic, semantic, geog orient, procedural.

Question 4

CI and cautions

Answer 4

RICP, cerebral aneur, recent CVE.
MI within 3 mnth, unstable angin, DVT, K imbal, uncontr HR/BP.
Acute resp infec, other resp conds.
Recent food, drink, cigs.
Cochlear implants, phaeochromo, unstable fracture, bariatric.
Preg, controlled epil, and pacemaker NOT NECESS CI.