Charge required to induce a seizure during initial dose titration using right unilateral brief pulse electroconvulsive therapy

Abstract

Minimizing cognitive side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while maintaining clinical efficacy is a key challenge. Given that the electrical charge required to induce a seizure varies by as much as 30-fold among patients [1], and that clinical efficacy and side effects of ECT depend strongly on the dose applied relative to the individual seizure threshold [2], many providers have adopted routine seizure threshold determination at the time of first treatment. As these protocols are not standardized, and likely vary based on the ECT electrode placement and stimulus parameters, information about the typical seizure threshold would help guide clinical practice.

Topics & Concepts