What
is ECT?
The treatment involves passing a small electric
current across part of the head, causing the brain
to have a seizure (convulsion). Patients are fully
anaesthetised so they are completely unaware of
the treatment and feel no pain. A muscle-relaxing
drug keeps the body still, except for very slight
movement of fingers and toes, even though the
brain is experiencing a seizure. The convulsion
normally lasts for about 30 seconds to 1 minute,
and during this time patients are given oxygen
and the heart and circulation are monitored. An
electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to monitor
brain activity and to measure the length and quality
of the seizure. The EEG helps the doctor decide
how much electricity is required for each patient
during the course of treatment, ensuring that
the minimum effective dose is used. After the
treatment, trained nursing staff continue close
observation and monitoring until the patient is
fully awake and alert. This normally takes about
1 hour. The anaesthetic itself lasts for about
5-10 minutes, giving plenty of time for the treatment
to be completed.
