Эlektrosudorozhnaya therapy – MFA

Description of electroconvulsive therapy

When electroconvulsive therapy (MFA) through brain skipped the electric current, which causes a short seizure activity. It, in turn causes changes chemical activity in the brain. ECT can reduce symptoms, associated with severe depression and other mental illnesses.

Causes of electroconvulsive therapy

With ECT treat severe mental illness, such as:

• Severe depression, drugs that can not be cured, or disorder, which cause serious symptoms, like psychosis and suicidal thoughts;
• Schizophrenia;
• Severe mania, drugs that are not cured.

In some cases, ECT may also be used to treat other psychiatric or neurological disorders.

Possible complications of electroconvulsive therapy

Before, how to conduct electroconvulsive therapy, you need to know about possible complications:

Common complications include:

• Short-term changes in blood pressure and heart rate;
• Short-term abnormal heart rate;
• Headache;
• Nausea;
• Muscle pain or soreness;
• Cognitive impairment (eg, problems with thinking and memory). They usually disappear after a few weeks. In some instances, memory problems can last for several months.

Rare complications may arise:

• Heart attack;
• Prolonged seizures;
• Death.

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Problems with heart, stroke, or high blood pressure;
• Pregnancy. Though ECT is used to treat pregnant women with severe depression, However, this form of therapy may increase the risk of developing complications in fetus;
• Пожилой возраст и слабое действие принимаемых лекарств – эти факторы могут увеличить вероятность рецидива.

We need to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

How is electroconvulsive therapy?

Preparation for the procedure

Before the procedure, the physician should:

• Conduct a medical examination;
• Explore the medical and psychological history;
• Ask about medicines taken;
• Assign analyses, that can include blood tests and an ELECTROCARDIOGRAM;
• Maybe, before the procedure, you cannot eat or drink anything.

We need to organize a trip to the procedure and back home. Besides, we need to agree with someone, who can help you at home in recovery period.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain during procedure.

Describes how electroconvulsive therapy

You will be connected to the device, who will monitor your activity and brain activity. Next, you will put general anesthesia, as well as medication, to support muscles relaxed during the procedure.

After you fall asleep, through a mask on your face in the airway oxygen is served. To protect the language and teeth injuries, in the mouth can be inserted Kappa. Next the doctor establishes the electrodes on your head. The electrodes are connected to the device, which will serve the electric current to the brain. This will cause sudorojna activity. Once electric included, muscles for a few seconds will be reduced. Then start twitching body. Cramps can last for up to one minute.

Immediately after treatment

You will be directed to the recovery room, where vital signs will be monitored. During 10-15 minutes you wake up. Sometimes it can be confusing. Confusion can last minutes, clock, and sometimes longer.

How long does it take to electroconvulsive therapy?

About 30 minutes (plus time, to recover after the procedure).

Электросудорожная терапия – будет ли это больно?

You will not feel pain during the procedure. After ECT can be a headache, muscle pain or soreness.

Care after electroconvulsive therapy

Care in a hospital

Once you have fully wake up, the nurse will give you to eat and drink. In most cases, you will be able to go home the day of procedure.

Home Care

You need to sign up for the next session ECT. In most cases, need to undergo three treatments a week for a month. You should take the medication (eg, antidepressants) and continue treatment, to prevent relapse.

You also may need preventive ECT sessions, with a view to preventing recurrence. The doctor will help develop a plan for further treatment, that will depend on the State of health.

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Communication with a physician after electroconvulsive therapy

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Worsening of symptoms (eg, a sense of hopelessness and helplessness, suicidal thoughts) If you have suicidal thoughts, as soon as possible, call your doctor or therapist;
• Confusion and memory loss, that lasts longer, than expected;
• Headache, muscle aches, or pain, that last longer, than expected.