Motor seizure monitoring during electroconvulsive therapy

Abstract

Background: The occurrence of a seizure during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) should be confirmed. Most clinicians use motor seizure monitoring alone and recent guidelines have not considered electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring mandatory.

Aims: To examine the potential pitfalls of motor seizure monitoring.

Method: Consenting consecutive patients (n = 232) were prospectively studied at the first ECT session using both motor and EEG seizure monitoring. It was ensured (by titration) that all the patients had an adequate EEG seizure. Adequate and prolonged seizures were defined according to the latest recommendations of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Results: Motor seizure was inadequate in 15 (7%) of patients. EEG seizure was prolonged in 38 (16%) of patients. Fifteen patients (39%) did not have a prolonged motor seizure. Motor seizure correlated well (r = 0.8, P < 0.001) with EEG seizure when the latter was adequate, but not when prolonged (r = 0.12, P > 0.5).

Conclusions: Motor seizure monitoring without EEG is undependable. The study provides a rational basis for the Royal College of Psychiatrists' definition of prolonged EEG seizure.