Electroconvulsive therapy clinics in the United Kingdom should routinely monitor electroencephalographic seizures

Abstract

Information recorded during electroconvulsive therapy for all patients treated in Central Manchester was analyzed to examine the range of seizure thresholds, the frequency of prolonged seizures, and the difference between the length of motor and electroencephalographic seizure activity. Prolonged seizures occurred in 19% of courses studied. EEG seizure length was significantly longer than observed motor seizure length. EEG monitoring will detect prolonged seizures and should be performed routinely in ECT clinics in the United Kingdom.