Posted by IsoM on March 25, 2002, at 13:42:14
In reply to ECT and epilepsy, posted by Bob on March 25, 2002, at 12:54:36
I've read both sides of the story but admit I don't know enough or have access to more & better sources to form a educated understanding. I've read by advocates that likelihood of seizures after ECT goes down considerably. I've also read where the likelihood goes up. Both back their claims with references. That's the part I can't sort out - which references are valid & which aren't, & what the studies were conducted like.
My guess for the reason ECT isn't used for epilepsy is that ECT, by its actions, induces seizure-like conditions in the brain. A person who already has epilepsy may have status epilepticus from such a treatment, even if long-term it would work. Status epilepticus is very dangerous & mortality rates can be as high as 20% (I've read - can't confirm if true). But it's not something to be taken lightly. To me, it makes sense not to use ECT on epileptic prone persons.
It's possible both conclusions are valid & it may depend on whether patients were mildly epileptic & weren't aware of it. I, for example, can't take beta-blockers. They precipitate severe asthma in me that doesn't respond to brochodilators. But at no other time do I show any tendency towards asthma. Go figure.
poster:IsoM
thread:100045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020322/msgs/100053.html