[Anaesthesiological aspects of electroconvulsive therapy]
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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
1Klinik für Anaesthesiologie, Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland. aiugru@uniklinikum-saarland.de
Abstract:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used in the therapy of severe psychiatric disorders. The treatment, in which a generalized epileptic seizure is provoked by electrical stimulation of the brain, is performed under anaesthesia and muscle relaxation. Considering careful previous clinical examination and anaesthesiological and internal contraindications, ECT is a safe form of treatment. The following review is intended to familiarize with ECT and to provide advice for the anaesthesiological management.
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